Out with the old, and in with the new. I don’t know about you, but I am grateful to say ‘bon voyage!’ to 2020. While we take the time to celebrate the coming of the new year, what an excellent time to ask ourselves “How am I going to make this next year different?” or “What do I want to accomplish this time around?” We have all heard the word resolution before, but have you ever taken a moment to consider what it actually means? It all comes down to a simple decision, a choice, intent or aspiration. Once you have that spark, that desire, you are already halfway there to setting your resolution!
Cliche or not, it’s the thought process that matters and the dedication to actually see your resolution through. It is one thing to say: “I want to lose 30 pounds next year” and it is another to do it. Some say actions speak louder than words, but why not fuel your actions with the intent of a resolution? It’s time to make a game plan. One that allows for mistakes and setbacks, while still keeping yourself accountable so you can continue to put your best foot forward.
Here are some simple tips when it comes to creating reasonable, responsible and accountable goals.
- Honesty matters. If you did not run that mile today, or skipped your daily study session for a night of Netflix, acknowledge that, and accept that it has happened. Write it down even! Looking back on a previous week to see that you skipped all those sessions you planned to work on your resolution is great data to work with in order to curb your current schedule and habits to better set yourself up for success.
- Accept that it is not going to be easy, and that’s okay! We are only human after all. Be reasonable with yourself. Even studying for 20 minutes a day is better than not studying at all. No matter how small or large the milestones you have created for yourself, understand that your resolution might take some time, and not every day will be the same. Some days you will have great successes, others, not so much. Even the smallest bit of effort and time spent on that resolution can be the difference between an accomplished goal and an emotional setback.
- It is okay to have a cheat day. Setting and sticking to goals is not easy. Give yourself some time to recover from your newly changed habits. Sometimes reserving a cheat day is more fun, and gives you something to look forward to while still staying on track. Make Saturday your pizza and tv day! You can get back to your goal the next day.
- Create a schedule. By using a planner, or Google Calendar, whichever is your favorite, checking in with yourself several times a day I find helps us tremendously in staying on task. You can also use this schedule as a tracker too. Track how many glasses of water you had, or how many hours you spent studying, whatever it is, keeping track of your progress will only bring you one step closer to the finish line.
- Set realistic milestones. I don’t know about you, but I do not think I could read an entire book in a week. Examine your schedule, and identify when you are able to make time towards your goal. It might be more reasonable to commit to one or two chapters a week. Be realistic, and honest. No one is judging you or expecting you to accomplish your goal in a week.
- Check in with yourself. Bi-weekly, or monthly, what better way to regroup from a busy life than to take a moment and to simply ask yourself “Where am I at with my goals? How is my goal going so far?” See what works for you. Maybe you would benefit from studying earlier, or later in the day. Use data from your previous weeks to fine tune your schedule to be more supportive of what you can realistically handle!
Making a resolution, or setting a goal is rarely a simple task to do, but it can be if you are honest and accountable with yourself. Don’t worry, none of us are expecting you to accomplish a substantial task within days, many goals take months, and years to accomplish. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: “It’s not about the destination, it’s the journey.”
Wishing you a safe and healthy 2021, and all the best when it comes to planning out your resolutions!
