To be honest, I’m not a big New Year’s Resolution person and it looks like I’m not alone. Statistics show that only 45% of Americans make resolutions. And only 8% of that 45% are successful in achieving their resolutions. Not surprisingly, the number one resolution for 2015 was to lose weight. Obviously something is not working.
If you’re a resolution person, here are 3 tips to help them last longer so you can be more successful.
1. Don’t make a resolution for the whole year.
Break your goal down by the month, then by the week. What can you do today to help you reach that goal? It’s the small steps that make the difference. Soon it becomes a habit, a healthy habit.
2. Get an accountability buddy.
Find a friend that wants to workout with you so you can hold each other accountable. Become part of a group that is like minded (group fitness class, running club, cycling group, etc.). I agree with Pastor Bill Hybels quote “Life change happens best in groups.” Groups proved accountability, community, support, and a common struggle together. Even private Facebook groups or several friends who check in with you regularly work. Life change is easier and happens best in groups.
3. Have a specific, simple plan.
Don’t make your goals too grand or complex. Record your actions. Writing goals down is a key to achieving them. Dave Ramsey, author of Total Money Makeover, said that 97% of young couples don’t write down their budget, but those who do (the 3%), almost all of them succeed at staying well within their budget. Make your goals simple, specific, and write them down.
Every year weight loss, staying fit, and being healthy is at the top of the list. So, if your resolution is to “Get healthy and lose 30 pounds this year,” you’re setting yourself up for failure. Be more specific. “I will workout four days a week by attending fitness classes.”
If you decide to set resolutions for 2016, try using the SMART goals approach to outline your resolution. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound. For example, if your goal is to lose weight in 2016 you might start off by saying: I will lose 10 pounds in the next eight weeks. By stating a goal this way, you are specific in your goal: losing 10 pounds. It is measurable because you can step on a scale to see how your progress is coming along. It is achievable because it is recommended to lose 1 to 2 pounds a week, which makes losing 10 pounds in eight weeks realistic as well. Finally, trying to lose the weight within eight weeks means the goal is time-bound. As you can see, the framework for setting a SMART goal is a lot more detailed than the usual resolution for “losing weight.”
It’s all about creating a healthy habit and life changes start to happen. Keeping goals short-term, simple, writing them down, and getting an accountability buddy will help with your success. As will using the SMART goals approach.
And lastly, go easy on yourself. A New Year’s Resolution for 2016 does not have to be an all-or-nothing approach. If you slip up, forgive yourself, learn the lesson, find the silver lining and then look for the next opportunity to get back on track with your resolution.
If you’re not a resolution person, like myself, try this instead.
Whether or not you had resolutions or were able to keep them is not that important. What is important is recognizing the growth you have achieved over the past 12 months. Now is a great opportunity to write down those achievements and to reflect on the past year by identifying any barriers that might have gotten in the way of reaching any of your goals.
I’ve never sat down and reflected at the end of a year, but this past year was different. This past year I found myself looking back on all the opportunities God has blessed me with and all that I accomplished. I chose to soak it all in and to celebrate the successes. I celebrate successes with my clients all the time, so I thought, I should do the same with myself. I was totally surprised after I wrote my list from 2015. There was so much more than I would have thought. Accomplishments, stepping out in faith, having courage, new opportunities, growth, etc., it was pretty great to see.
Don’t get me wrong. It’s not that I don’t have goals and aspirations. To be totally honest with you, instead of me driving and striving constantly, I am getting better at turning over my personal and business life to God and seeing where He’ll take me. It’s not always as easy as it sounds, but boy is it less stressful and a lot more fun!
My challenge for you as you start this new year is to write down all the blessings that came into your life last year. Lessons learned, opportunities, growth, awareness, successes, etc. Take time to reflect on all you did and all you learned. Take these moments to motivate you to be a better you this year!
I can’t wait to see what God has planned for you and me this year! Happy New Year!
Shine Brightly,
Ali
P.S. Tips on how to Be The Best You emotionally, intellectually, physically, and spiritually.
