We made it! We finally got to 2021 and say buh-bye to 2020. Now that we’ve begun a new day, a new month, a new year, a new decade (it’s officially recognized that the beginning of a new decade starts with the year ending in a 1, not 0), many people declare New Year’s resolutions right around this time in January of every year. Research studies reveal that as high as 50% of adults in the United States make New Year’s resolutions, but less than 10% keep them longer than a couple of months. Why is this? After all, the new year represents a symbolic turning point, a chance to make a change for the better.
There are several reasons why New Year’s resolutions have been hard for many to keep:
- Old Habits Die Hard. They say it takes several weeks for a habit to form. Habits born out of comfort are naturally difficult to change.
- Lack of specific strategy to reach a goal. They say a goal without a plan is just a wish. The direction is vital to move the needle.
- Belief in reaching goals. Whether you think you can or can’t, you’re right. Those who share the belief they can reach their goals have a much greater chance of achieving that goal versus someone who doesn’t hold the belief they can do it.
Whether your goal is to lose weight, increase muscle tone, or just get healthy, below are some strategies that are important to keep in mind to help you be set up for success and break the cycle of breaking New Year’s resolutions:
1. Write down the goals you want to achieve
You are much more likely to stay committed to a goal if you write it down then merely think about it.
2. Create a direct step-by-step action plan that outlines how to reach your goal and write this down as well
Find out the steps that you will need to take to get there. Leave out your emotions of whether or not you can accomplish these steps when you create your action plan. If you don’t know how to get there, it will be much harder to take action.
3. Let your support system know of your plans
Family and friends are much more likely to show support to you if they know you are actively working on your action plan. Do not be afraid to ask for what you need. Equally as important, do not be deterred if you receive pushback from those who are closest to you. In the latter example, they may have a hard time understanding your goals. That’s not enough of a reason to take your eyes off the prize.
4. Make yourself and self-care a top priority
This will allow you to give the required attention you want to give to your responsibilities and have the energy endurance to take care of the things that need your involvement. Getting the necessary sleep and fueling your body the right way are prime examples of putting you at the top of the list.
5. Do not let your emotions get in the way of your decision-making process
Motivation is fleeting. On the days when you don’t feel like eating healthy or working out, you run the risk of derailing from your goals if you give in to your emotions that you’re experiencing in that moment. This is WHY motivation is not reliable.
6. Decide that you are going to commit to the steps that are required to get you to the next level
Consistency is paramount and consistency is vital to get you to the next level.
7. Allow yourself the opportunity to stumble and mess up along the way
Don’t bully yourself. If it’s a goal you’ve never accomplished before, this means there are steps you’re going to be doing that you’ve never done before. There’s no way you can have goal mastery without ironing out the kinks.
In order to have what you’ve never had before, you must do what you’ve never have done before to get there. Don’t worry about what didn’t work before. The past is the past. If the goal is important to you and it holds high value, you must honor your spirit and give yourself the chance to reach for greatness. All you have to do is commit to the process and do not allow your emotions to get in the way of your call-to-action.
Let’s kick some healthy butt in 2021!
