New Year’s is the time of year many people find the inspiration to improve themselves, but did you know that only 9% of people ever achieve those resolutions? Though there are several things that contribute to lack of follow through, we will be focusing on 5 major reasons people do not accomplish their New Year Resolutions, and ways to keep you on track!
No matter what your resolution may be, the first mistake we all make this time of year is being unreasonable with ourselves. Though saving $1,000 dollars and losing 30 pounds in a month is possible, that does not make it realistic for the average person. Setting unrealistic goals is setting yourself up for failure.
Let me say that again.
You will not accomplish unobtainable goals.
Start where you are. What is your current assessment? In what areas do you want to improve?
The most humbling part of a New Year Resolution’s is the self-realization that comes along with it. Take this time to delve into your own worst habits and assess which habits you want to change. You have to start where you are before you can get where you’re going.
Once you’ve done that, it’s time to set your goal! What do you want to achieve and how will you do it? Be specific!
A goal without a plan is just a wish.
When you set your goal, make sure it’s specific, and obtainable.
In addition to your main goal, we encourage you to create short-term goals that will ultimately help you accomplish your long-term goal and keep you on track. As you set those short-term goals, create a timeline with it. A timeline will not only keep you on track, but it holds you more accountable as you work towards every small step.
For example, perhaps your New Year’s Resolution is to save $1,000. You have to set the timeline for when you want that goal to be accomplished, so let’s say you want to accomplish that goal in 6 months. 6monthsx4weeks=24 weeks. Divide the $1,000 by 24 weeks to get roughly $42 a week. So now you know that your weekly goal is to save $42 every week in order to accomplish your long-term goal.
That’s a simplified version, but its an easy place to start. Along with your short-term goals, be specific about how you will accomplish them. Count your pennies and the dollars add up. Perhaps you skip your trip to Starbucks, or decided to cook at home more often to be able to put that money back into your savings. Achieving new goals will require sacrifice!
Again, saving $42 a week is the simplified version of setting a short-term goal. You may not be able to save $42 on the week you pay rent, and that’s okay! Progress doesn’t have to be 100% consistent. Plan accordingly for your lifestyle so that you’re prepared for the inconsistencies of life, but stay on track to accomplish your goal.
Come back next week for our blog on Accountability and why motivation isn’t enough to get us there.
Today’s takeaway:
You don’t have to “start small,” but you owe it to yourself to be realistic. You CAN accomplish anything you put your mind to (we believe it’s your strongest muscle). However, set small goals that set you up for future success with your long-term goal. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Pour your foundation first, and then build up. YOU GOT THIS!!
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Additional resources:
https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newHTE_90.htm