New year and new goals (or even current goals) on your list. Have you already fallen off the wagon? Or are you keeping up with them? Let me share some tips to assist you with getting back on track or keeping them going.
1. Try and limit your number of resolutions to 10 or less
Don’t get caught up with making a long laundry list of things to do. If you end up doing this, your intentions will get watered-down.
Choosing 10 or less will force you to limit yourself to things that are at the top of your priority list.
2. Have daily reminders
With so many of us relying on electronic devices, set daily reminders in on your calendar so that you get a daily reminder pop up
on your phone. Post motivational quotes on your mirror in your bedroom. This way when you are doing your hair or your
make-up, you’re looking at these quotes and it makes you want to hustle.
3. Create visuals
Here’s an example of how to do this: let’s say you want to eat healthier and keep track of what you eat on a daily basis.
Use an app on your phone like MyFitnessPal to track your daily calorie intake. I can attest to this one
because I use it daily myself 🙂 Let’s say you want to make sure you are drinking enough water during the day. Use
an app like iDrated to track this for you. I’m sure there are plenty of apps to assist you with things you are trying to
keep track of by checking the Google Play or AppStore.
4. Be SPECIFIC with your goals
You cannot map out a plan when your goals are vague. Some examples are: I want to get in shape. I want a
promotion at work. I want to travel to another country. A tip: Be Specific. Some examples: I want to go to the gym
at least 2 days a week. I want to be a Senior Underwriter within the next 6 months. I will put away at least $20
each paycheck for my trip to another country. Get down to the details and it will make it easier for you to map out
your goals.
5. Break it into manageable parts
Break larger goals into smaller parts and this will make them easier to achieve and is more gratifying as you can
check off each achievement as it occurs. One example, if your goal is to work out 10 times a month, break that
down into about 2 days a week instead.
6. Write them down
Write your goals down and share them with a close friend and/or family member so that they can hold you
accountable. Promise a monthly/quarterly update on your progress.
7. Share it with others
This is a continuation from #6 above. This step is IMPORTANT! Asking for support will help you achieve these goals
throughout the year. If possible, team up with a friend to go to the gym one day a week if not more. Ask them to
push you when you feel like giving up and throwing in the towel.
8. Keep positive
Focus on what you will do, not what you will not do. Often phrasing your goals as negative leads to more
of the very activity that you seek to change. Instead focus on the positive actions that will supplement the
negative ones once they are established in your life.
9. Create an environment so that you can achieve your goals
Get rid of old habits that will prevent you from achieving your goals. As an example: if your goal is to go to the
gym pack your gym bag and put it in your car the night before. Once you get home from the gym that night, re-
pack your bag again and place in your car. Doing this will make sure you have no excuses on not making it to the
gym.
10. Celebrate your wins
As you make progress with your goals, take a moment to celebrate the small victories. Post celebration photos on
Instagram with a bunch of hashtags. Enjoy a nice dinner of what you like to eat. You deserve this!
(Tips are from my personal experience from 2018)
