How to Set your New Years Resolutions up for Success
Tips to Reach Your Goals for Your Best Year Ever
From your RAFT Counseling Team in Parker, CO
Every year, millions of people resolve to improve their lives in some way. They vow to lose weight, save money, quit smoking, or finally write that novel they've been talking about for years. But for many, these well-intentioned plans fall by the wayside within a few weeks or months. If you're determined to make 2023 the year you achieve your goals, here are a few tips to set yourself up for success.
Pick Realistic Goals….And Ones that You Actually Like
One of the biggest reasons New Year's resolutions fail is because people try to accomplish too much, too quickly. If you're trying to lose 100 pounds, save $10,000, and write a novel all in one year, chances are you're going to feel overwhelmed and discouraged when you don't see results fast enough. Instead of biting off more than you can chew, focus on setting smaller, more achievable goals. For example, if your goal is to lose weight, commit to losing 10 pounds by March. Or if you want to save money, set a goal of saving $500 by June.
It’s also important to make sure it's something you're truly committed to. A lot of people choose resolutions that they think they should do, rather than ones that they really want to do. For example, if you hate going to the gym, resolving to go three times a week is probably not going to last. On the other hand, if you're passionate about learning a new language, you're much more likely to stick with it.
Get an Accountability Partner
Achieving big goals is usually easier said than done. That's why it can be helpful to have someone in your corner who will help you stay on track. This could be a friend, family member, or even a professional coach or therapist. whoever you choose, make sure this is someone who will be supportive but honest with you; someone who won't let you give up when things get tough.
One of the best ways to increase your chances of success is to find people who are working toward similar goals. This could be friends or family members who are also trying to learn Spanish or start running or whatever your resolution may be. Or there are often support groups available online or in person for different types of resolutions. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people will help keep you motivated and on track.
Make a Plan
When it comes to achieving your goals, having a plan is essential. This plan should include specific steps on what you need to do to reach your goal as well as deadlines for each step. For example, rather than just saying "I'm going to learn Spanish this year," break your goal down into smaller, more manageable pieces. For example, you could say "I will spend 30 minutes every day practicing Spanish." Or "I will sign up for a beginning Spanish class." Having specific goals makes it easier to track your progress and keep yourself accountable. By having a plan and specific deadlines, you'll be more likely to stick with your resolution and see results over time.
Making New Years resolutions is a time-honored tradition for many people across the globe. But all too often, those resolutions fizzle out within weeks or months. If you're determined to make 2023 the year you finally achieve your goals, follow these simple tips and increase your chances of success. With some planning and effort, this could be the year that everything changes for the better. If we can support you with reaching your goals, we would love to hear from you here at RAFT Counseling!
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