With the New Year well underway, how are you making out on your resolutions for 2013? If you’re having issues staying on track, you aren’t alone! In this article we’ll be sharing with you 9 ways to help you stick to them, or even get back on track.
1. Make Resolutions for Things You Really Want
Resolutions are about making life changes. You’re more likely to keep your resolutions because you really want them. Don’t make resolutions because someone else wants you to change. You have to be ready for the change.
2. Don’t Make Too Many Resolutions
The more resolutions you make, the more difficult you may find it to stick to all of them. Changing habits typically take 30 days, with some taking even longer. Ideally, you should focus on tackling one or two resolutions at a time until the changes are second nature. Start with those goals which are most important to you.
3. Be Specific With Your Resolutions
Being vague with resolutions makes it too easy to take short-cuts. It’s important to be specific. If your goal is to lose weight, then set a specific amount you want to lose and a time frame. If you want to start exercising, decide what kind of exercise you’ll do on which days of the week and for how long.
4. Break Your Resolutions Down Into Steps
Create a step-by-step plan to get to your end result. This is especially helpful with lofty resolutions and a way to prevent a feeling of being overwhelmed. For example, if you want to take a trip to Europe this summer, you would need to save for the trip, research where you want to go and then make the actual travel arrangements.
5. Being Prepared Reduces Temptations
If we’re working on changing habits, it’s important to be prepared for things that may tempt us. For example, if you are working on losing weight and going out for dinner with friends, call the restaurant ahead or check their website to make healthy menu choices in advance.
6. Commit to Your Resolutions in Writing
Write your resolutions down along with your specific targets. Keep a copy in your purse or wallet, a copy on the fridge and anywhere else you may want so you’ll be constantly reminded of what you’re working towards.
7. Enlist Support
It can be of tremendous value if you enlist the support of 1 or 2 friends who have already done what you want to do. People who have already achieved a goal can be great motivators. Depending on the type of resolution, you may also consider getting support from a group or a professional. Any of these can help you stay accountable.
8. Selectively Tell Those Around You
Depending on the type of resolutions you’ve set, it may be important to tell those around you in different environments. If they are supportive of you, this could help reduce temptations.
9. Pick Yourself Back Up
If you get derailed for any period of time, all is not lost. Evaluate what went wrong immediately and get back to it. You don’t need to wait for some magic moment to start over.We have a free video available that will give you 7 reasons why many people fail at reaching their goals. You can view this to gain some additional insight to help you stick to this year’s resolutions. We also have a 3 week class that will walk you through step by step how to set goals and develop a plan to achieve them.
About the Author – Sharon Hayes
Sharon Hayes is a Cornwall-based entrepreneur who has worked as a business and marketing strategist since the 1990’s. Sharon is known in social media for being a powerhouse and motivator. She’s been featured in The Globe and Mail, Huffington Post and many other publications as one of the top social media users in business. Her personal blog is at SharonHayes.com.