It never fails. January 1st of every year,
we promise ourselves that this is the year we're
going to accomplish the goals we set for ourselves.
This is the year we lose weight/go back to school/volunteer
more/etc. Only, by the time the start of February rolls
around, too many of us find ourselves wondering where
the month of January went and why we didn't keep all
those resolutions.
But,
this year doesn't have to be like previous years. This year
truly can be the year you keep the promises you made
to yourself. All you need is a little know-how.
Set your eyes on the prize. The first step in achieving
any goal is to write down your goal. This makes your goal "real."
Keep this written declaration in your view every day (taping
it to your mirror is a good start) and start viewing your goal
as a written contract.
Don't go it alone. After you've written down your goal,
confide in someone else. Having friends and family know what
you're trying to achieve for yourself will make the process
easier. Having a good buddy who can provide a listening ear
is key for those days you feel like giving up.
Set the date. By tracking your progress in mini-steps
along the way, you'll make achieving your goal more manageable.
Instead of one final deadline looming in the distance, setting
mini-goals that you track in your date book will make the results
more tangible.
Rewire your brain. This is perhaps the hardest dictum
to follow. It's easier to give up on your dream than it is to
take the necessary steps to make it happen. You simply need
to rethink how you can handle your situation. Want to lose weight?
Avoid temptation at cocktail parties by eating a healthy snack
before you arrive. Want to exercise more? Schedule 20 minutes
for yourself every evening to go walking before you tackle any
of your household demands. By planning ahead, you can prevent
any opportunities for temptation or failure.
