We have heard it before. New Years Resolutions. At the stroke of midnight, we kiss our loved ones, wish them a happy new year, and set some goals for ourselves to be better. If you are someone to abandon that shortly after you set your sights on change, you might be reading this blog. Why is it easier for people to trail off with their goals and revert back to their old ways? Changing habits is actually hard work and because that work requires more time, attention, and commitment, it’s easier for us to let go of that and be where it is comfortable, our “old” self. Perhaps you have reached a point where you are entirely fed up with who that person is. What is inspiring that? 

Common goals are for people to get in better shape. You tend to see a lot of gym advertisements and for a few weeks, the gym floods with new people that will eventually stop coming. Maybe you try out a new diet to shed those last five pounds, or revamp your resume. Maybe you have been unhappy with your current job, your feel overlooked for that promotion, or have met your last straw with your supervisor. This time of year can bring forth a lot of reflection of who you have been this past year and maybe you do not like entirely what you see. It can also be a great time to appreciate what you have accomplished, who you are in a positive way, and to celebrate your strengths. Whatever flaws or hurdles you do want to overcome, if can be helpful to break it down into manageable and tangible goals. 

• Try making a list of one to three things you want to accomplish this year. 

• If you are artistic, try creating a vision board for your goals and what inspires you.

• Break your goals down into increments of 3, 6, 9, 12 months and then a few things you think are reasonable to achieve within those time frames.

• Reflect and/or list what your motivators are that will keep you going when you have urges to quit.

• Reflect and/or list what your incentives are that you can use to reward yourself when you are able to accomplish a part of your goals. 

• Think of who can hold you accountable and can periodically check-in with you like a friend, partner, or family member.

• Gather some motivational quotes and/or images that truly speak to you and your journey. 

• Listen to some positive affirmation guided meditations, or locate some of your favorites from online. 

• Download a habit change cell phone application that can help track your progress. 

• Work towards that final incentive if you reach all of your goals like the weekend get-a-way you have always wanted to take, buying that purse you have wanted for a long time, or that new video game that just got release. 

• Overall, remember to have fun, laugh on the harder days, smile when you’ve reached a milestone, and lean into self-compassion so you can re-adjust your mindset and expectations. 

Click here for support around developing goals that work for you.