When the end of the year rolls around and the Holiday season begins, we like to go out with a bang. Meaning that a lot of times, we are indulging in feasts, drinks, good company, Holiday parties, less work, and more play. But after Christmas is over we all kick it back into motivation mode and start compiling our New Year?s Resolutions. We all are working towards that next big step in our career, our killer bod that we made a resolution for in 2013, or just making some positive changes for the new year to come. Often times though, we set unrealistic goals; trying to cram everything in to our busy schedules and being disappointed in ourselves when we didn?t follow through with our plans. But it is completely normal that this happens and very healthy to keep your positive visions for the future. The best new you in 2014 is totally attainable if you don?t give yourself more than you can handle, you?re realistic about what you can achieve and most of all, you believe in yourself. Here are a few tips that will help you set and reach your goals for the New Year!
Make a List
Make a list of some goals you have in mind for the New Year. First just start with a simple, bulleted list of things you have in mind. This could range from a new mindset to new habits, family life to career life, whatever comes to mind. Post the list on a social network. Declare it. Tell the world that this is what you will accomplish. You will be surprised what the accountability does for you in terms of motivation.
Be Specific
Specifying your goals is the easiest way to keep them realistic and attainable. For example, if you are setting weight loss goals, don?t be vague and say I wanna be skinny. A realistic goal for that is to break it down and be specific. ?I want to lose 2 pounds a week? or ?I am going to work out 5 days a week.? This way, it is easier to keep track of what you?re actually doing to reach your goals. Post your progress to your friends daily. Again accountability is key to push you into the next day.
Keep a Chart or List to Measure your Progress
With most of us leading busy lives and chaotic schedules, things easily slip our mind or get forgotten and swept under the rug. Make a chart or list of some sort and put it up somewhere that you are going to see it every day. Seeing that list each day and being able to chart your progress is a definite way to ensure that you are keeping up with your goals, while seeing how far you have come.
Be Creative
Make a dream board. Fill it with pictures of that dress you?re gonna wear when you reach your goal weight, or that car you?re going to get when move up in your career, the time you will be able to spend with your family, etc. Visually seeing these reminders will only push you further into working for your goals! Again, share your dream board with your friends or better yet have a dream board party.
Give yourself Time
Good things take time and for most of us, so do our goals. Don?t stress yourself out and try to get everything done by the end of January. Giving your full attention to one goal at a time versus spreading yourself thin and trying to accomplish everything at once, is much more efficient in being able to check one goal off your list and move on to the next one. Give yourself an estimated amount of time for how long it might take (don?t be hard on yourself if it takes a little longer!) Patience is a virtue and progress is gradual, so keep on going and do what you can. Don?t quit!
Reward Yourself
You can choose whatever you want as a reward for any of your goals. It isn?t necessary but it is definitely extra motivation to achieve what you want. Maybe you can go out to a movie, have your favorite meal, or give yourself a ?me time? day. Either way, you deserve a pat on the back and recognition for your efforts and progress. Whatever reward is more pleasing to you is just another form of motivation. Write this on your dream board!? Some examples of a reward is “I will buy new jeans when I am a size (fill it in).”? “I will buy new jeans when I have paid of “x” credit card.”
Be Positive
This is the most important aspect of setting any goal in your life. If you are having any negative thoughts or giving any of your energy to worries, it makes it harder on yourself to reach your goals. There is no harm in giving 100% positive thoughts to your goals. The more optimistic you are, the better vision you create for yourself.