We are one month in to the New Year and what has happened to those New Year’s resolutions? Some of us haven’t really started yet. Some have started and already given up! And a few of us are still motivated and up for the challenge. As you relax in your Atlanta apartment, where are you in the journey? Discouraged? Frustrated? or Excited? Motivated? Wherever you are in the New Year’s resolution journey, here are some tips to keep you on track and motivated so that you CAN attain your goals.
Photo by: K8Lynn2007
1. Set realistic goals – If you have made 5 New Year’s resolutions, you are doomed for failure. Be realistic and pick one thing you really want to do and be specific. Don’t say just “lose weight”, change that to “lose 10 pounds by May 1st.”
2. Break it down – If your goal is to lose 10 pounds or exercise 3 days a week, break it down even further. Write down monthly, weekly and daily goals that will help you get to your long-term goal. It is really hard to lose weight, exercise, save money or stop smoking if you don’t know what steps you are going to take to get there.
3. Tell everyone! – You need a support system to help you stay on track. Tell your family and friends what your goals are, and even better, see if you can find a buddy to do it with you. It is great to have someone you are accountable to, and who can share your discouragements and your triumphs.
4. Reward yourself – Give yourself a weekly and monthly reward. Now don’t be discouraged by set backs, but if you have a great week, you accomplished your goals, then celebrate! Put a picture on your refrigerator of something you really want for your reward WHEN you reach your final goal. It will motivate you every day!
5. Keep a journal – write down your long-term goal, and break it down into monthly and weekly goals. Then everyday, keep track of what you accomplished or did not accomplish for that day to measure your success. Don’t beat yourself up if you messed up, but you may see a pattern of things that may help you or hurt you accomplish your goals.
Look at your New Years resolutions, and put these tips into practice if you have not already. It takes 21 days to create a habit and 6 months for it to become part of your daily life. If you mess up today, remember tomorrow is a new day. You have only failed if you quit…so be realistic, reward yourself for baby steps, and keep on keeping on!
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