In recent years, I have noticed that people have steered away from making New Year's Resolutions for fear of breaking them or not starting them at all. I've thought a lot about this issue (because it comes up every year :)), and I decided last year that setting New Year's Resolutions is a great tradition and habit to have.
Why? Because goals help us to stretch ourselves. New goals help us to experiment with parts of ourselves that have not yet seen the light of day or have not yet been ready for prime time. When we set New Year's Resolutions, or even just think carefully about what we want from ourselves for ourselves in the New Year, I think we benefit.
It would not be devastating to not make a goal or two, but it would be kind of devastating if you didn't set your sights on your own potential and possibilities. Don't miss out on what you could do, be, and have this year. We've just begun!
Here is a list of easy-to-use techniques for sticking to your New Year's Resolutions so you can see them through:
- Make a list of things you want to accomplish in the New Year
Make this list comprehensive. My suggestion is that you go above and beyond what you think you could ever accomplish within the year. This will get you to think big for yourself, as you should always be doing. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to think this way. You are capable of much more than you think!
2. Create a plan of action to achieve your goals
Goal-setting is a great activity to do, but the way to actually get things accomplished is to make sure you have the time, space, and energy to actually get the steps that are needed to get those goals completed. Get in the habit of using a planner daily. Refer to it often and make sure that you leave room in each day to make progress on your personal and professional goals.
3. Set realistic deadlines for yourself and stick to them
If you’ve ever heard of Parkinson’s Law, you know that the work we have expands to fill the time we give to it. So the lesson here is to set deadlines for yourself with intention. When we have deadlines just ahead we tend to get outside of our anxious minds and into effective action. Make it a habit to set mini-deadlines for yourself so you stay motivated and so you can get in the habit of seeing your efforts turn into results!
4. Take action every day towards your goals – even if it's just 10 minutes
One of the most important strategies for getting things done is using consistent, daily effort. Even a few minutes each day, done consistently, will bring you closer to your goal. This technique fails when we fail to believe in the tremendous power of doing work each day. Remember this important strategy—you’ll be amazed at what you can create and accomplish with this technique in your toolbox.
5. Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem
I am a big believer in self-improvement. Self-improvement involves taking action towards the change that we want to see, but also self-belief, which allows us to understand that we are worthy of improvement, good vibes, and the changes we want to see in our lives. Do the actions and always believe in yourself.
6. Don't give up when things get tough – persist until you reach your goal
Let’s use all of this New Year’s energy to put our goals front and center. Prioritize what is important to you. Create your schedule mindfully each day. Avoid frittering your time away. Do your work (and your play) with enthusiasm. Get rest and make sure your mind and body are well-fed and cared for at the highest level. Keep your goals front and center because they are important to you, and you are so important to the world.
It's been a while since I've published a blogpost! I look forward to doing more of them in 2022. I invite you to listen to my year-old podcast Make Time for Success to hear more strategies and inspiration for getting your goals and greater needs met this year! Happy New Year to you! 🎉
