Sticking to your New Year’s resolutions
Credit to Author: JOSH MASCARIÑAS| Date: Wed, 09 Jan 2019 16:20:34 +0000
It’s 2019! A fresh start for all of us. Here’s to a never-ending new year’s resolution list that we try to accomplish all throughout the year. When working on personal goals, a sad and repetitive truth happens–we often don’t accomplish them all. In fact, time management firm FranklinCovey says that one-third of resolutioners don’t make it past the end of January. It’s frustrating how you start well with your resolutions but fail to be consistent with them. Achieving this year’s resolutions is a commitment to better ourselves. Here’s how to get real with it:
Choose the right resolution
Oftentimes, resolutions fail because they’re not right for you. There’s a higher chance of attaining your goals by picking a practical resolution. Come up with a more realistic plan. Keep in mind the acronym SMART–specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound to help set your resolutions. Evaluate every resolution in mind by taking note of the said factors. Simply put, set a goal that is attainable and significant.
Develop a plan
Your plan should not only contain the things you must do but also include solutions for hindrances that will obstruct your path. A simple journal can help you document and develop a detailed plan for your new year’s resolutions. You can also use it to track and tick off resolutions you’re about to fulfill.
Recognize your weaknesses to give you a clearer overview of your plan. This will help you determine what other things you can do to prevent yourself from taking your goal for granted.
Proper phasing is also important when forming a plan. You should narrow down specific tasks for every goal. For example, if you want to save more money this year, you can start by setting up an excel file to monitor your cash deposits. This is also where you will indicate how much money you’re required to save every payday. The progress may be slow but seeing yourself gradually move forward will drive you to continue.
Surpass obstacles along your journey
Even when you’ve planned everything out, there are times when hurdles will get in your way. Don’t dwell on your problems. Take a leap over them. Looking at how far you’ve come rather than how far you still have to go will keep you motivated. Also, small wins matter. Celebrating those small wins will reduce your worry when obstacles start to test how long you can keep your resolutions.
Have a backup plan (or two) that can keep you afloat during difficult times. Being adaptable to change also works well when trying to get past of obstacles.
Surround yourself with people with the same goals
Be surrounded by people who have the same mantra. This is a great way to inspire and push yourself to the limit.
It would also help to inform a friend or relative of your resolutions. It’s effective to have someone who can remind you of your plans apart from relying on what you’ve written in your journal. You can ask such people to hold you accountable for the goals you want to achieve. This way, you have an audience who will support you throughout the process. They would want to see you succeed so it’s helpful to have them as witnesses to your journey.
Support groups can be of great help, too. You can draw strength from people who have a similar dilemma and hearing their struggles and successes may inspire you to change. It’s a great reminder that you can also do what they’ve accomplished.
If there are people you should be with, there are also some you might need to veer away from. If your goal is to curb bad behavior, avoid people who display such attitude. Just make sure that you address your sentiments to them in a way they could understand.
Don’t ever be afraid to start again in case you end up failing. The least you can do is be kind to yourself. In reality, a resolution doesn’t need to start on new year. You can always give yourself another shot until everything pays off.
Josh Mascariñas is a content writer at MoneyMax.ph. Save money on car insurance, credit cards, and loans when you compare and apply at www.moneymax.ph! Visit our website to know more.
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