Whether it’s getting in shape, eating healthier, or learning a new skill, setting resolutions can be a great way to motivate ourselves and work towards personal growth.
However, it’s no secret that sticking to resolutions can be difficult, especially when the demands of daily life get in the way.
Here are 7 tips to help you fulfill your goals for 2023.
Clarify Your Purpose
Before you start working on your resolution, it’s important to take a step back and think about why you’re setting this goal in the first place.
What is it that you hope to achieve? Is it something that will benefit you in the long term, or is it something that will bring you short-term satisfaction?
Knowing the purpose behind your resolution can help you stay motivated and focused on the bigger picture.
Set Interim Goals and Approach Goals
It can be overwhelming to think about making a major change in your life all at once. That’s why it’s important to break your resolution down into specific, smaller, achievable goals.
It may also help to focus on approach goals instead of avoidance goals. Approach goals focus on the actions you need to take to reach your final resolution, while avoidance goals are goals that focus on avoiding something that you don’t want to do.
While avoidance goals may seem like a good idea at first, they can actually be counterproductive. This is because they often involve negative language and focus on what you don’t want to do, which can be demotivating and lead to feelings of failure. Approach goals, on the other hand, are more positive and focus on the actions you need to take to achieve your goals. This can help you feel more motivated and in control, and can increase your chances of success.
Allow for Flexibility and Special Exceptions
Life doesn’t always go according to plan, and that’s okay. It’s important to be flexible and allow for special exceptions when it comes to your resolutions.
However, it’s better to set special exceptions in advance, rather than just making them up as you go along. If you allow yourself the freedom to make exceptions whenever you feel like it, it can be easy to fall into the trap of making “special exceptions” on a regular basis.
By setting the rules for special exceptions in advance, you can balance flexibility with consistency and stay on track with your goals.
Seek Social Support
It can be tough to stick to a resolution when you feel like you’re going it alone. That’s why seeking social support can be so beneficial.
Whether it’s joining a support group or finding a friend or family member to work towards your goals with you, having someone to cheer you on and hold you accountable can make all the difference.
Use a Notebook or Journal
Writing down your goals and progress can be a great way to stay motivated and track your progress.
Whether it’s a simple notebook or a more structured journal, having a place to document your journey can help you stay on track and keep the big picture in mind.
Practice Stress Reduction and Mindfulness
Stress is a natural part of life, but it can also be a major obstacle when it comes to sticking to your resolutions. That’s why it’s important to practice stress reduction techniques like meditation, exercise, or deep breathing to help you stay calm and focused.
One helpful technique is mindfulness, which involves bringing your attention to the present moment. By focusing on your breath, your body, and your surroundings—here and now—you can cultivate a sense of calm and awareness that can help you navigate challenging situations.
Whether it’s through a formal meditation practice or simply taking a few moments to concentrate on your breath, incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine can help you stay grounded and better equipped to handle stress and reach your aims.
