January is a common time for people to set goals and decide to form new habits. The "new year, new me" mentality is clear everywhere you look. Unfortunately, most of us find it incredibly hard to stick to the resolutions we make beyond January.
We've put together a list of 6 tips that will help you stick to those New Year's resolutions and accomplish your goals in 2024!
Make SMART Goals
Tip No. 1: Use the SMART goals technique. SMART goals are goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. By using these as guideposts, you'll be able to write goals that are clear, attainable, and meaningful (and you'll feel more motivated to accomplish them).
For more info on SMART goals, you can check out this website.
Evaluate Your Goal
Tip No. 2: Let's start by asking, "Is the goal realistic?" (something you may have already covered if you chose to create SMART goals). No, like actually realistic? Every year I hear people say things like "I'm going to lose 50lbs and hit the gym every single day" or, "I'm going to meal prep and I'm going to only have smoothies for breakfast and lunch. No excuses!". While this may seem like a wonderful goal in theory, it may be unrealistic relative to your starting point. If you've never gone to the gym before, it is unrealistic to expect yourself to start going 7 days/week. Or, if you are someone who barely has time to cook on a nightly basis, it isn't realistic to expect yourself to adjust to a marathon day of meal prep immediately.
Try starting with a smaller more realistic goal that you can build on as you go, like "I want to go to the gym at least once a week this month".Â
Tip No. 3: Is this goal actually something you want? Make sure the goal you are working toward is something you really want as this will help you stay motivated.
I'm not talking about something that "would be nice if...", I'm talking about really, really wanting this change. Change is hard and it will lead to times of discomfort; remembering why the goal is important to you can help you find the motivation to keep going.
Celebrate Each Win
Tip No. 4: Celebrate the small wins. Each week reflect on how much you have worked on the goal - not on whether or not you have attained it, but whether or not you stuck to the plan of working toward it.
Remind yourself of where you started and the fact that you have continued to do your best to work towards the bigger goal.Â
Utilize Tools To Stick To Your New Year's Resolution
Tip No. 5: Use technology to your advantage. Get an app, set some reminders, and get those watches buzzing and flashing at you. Use your tech to encourage you to get up and get to work.
For example, you can get a water bottle that flashes at you if you haven't taken a drink from it within an hour. This would be perfect if your goal was to drink more water this year.Â
Find Your Supports
Tip No. 6: Get social. Having a good support system in place can be super helpful to keep you motivated and accountable. Tell friends or family that you trust and who are supportive that you have goals you are working towards and encourage them to check in on those goals from time to time.
Most importantly, have grace for yourself as you navigate this new year and your new goals/habits.
About Balance Psychological Services
Balance Psychological Services is a psychological private practice aimed toward healing, growth, and balance. Our mission is to ensure that every person who walks through our doors feels seen and accepted for exactly who they are, no matter the circumstances they are facing. With offices conveniently located in Stony Plain, Edmonton, and Beaumont, we are here and ready to help you find your balance.
Disclaimer
Information provided through Balance Psychological Services' blog posts is meant for educational purposes only. This is NOT medical or mental health advice. If you are seeking mental health advice, please contact us directly at (587) 985-3132.