Let’s face it: sticking to any new year’s resolution for more than a couple of weeks can feel pretty much impossible. However, there are plenty of ways to make the task seem far less unreachable – big or small. The key thing to remember is flexibility. Nothing is written in stone. You have the power to change and amend as you see fit. Dawn Ann Campbell, offers you her top tips for sticking it out:
- Be realistic – 80% of New Year’s Resolutions are abandoned or forgotten by the end of January, so if you’re going to bother making them, make them SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-orientated. Reviewing and evaluating them throughout the year will help you stay focused and on track.
- Try a different word – try calling them solutions instead of year-in-year-out resolutions, which tend to be meaningless (lose weight, drink/smoke/eat/spend less, exercise more – yawn). Think about what you’re trying to achieve and why, instead of obsessing about how.
- Make a real plan – what solutions will motivate you to change and achieve the healthier, happier, or wealthier lifestyle you desire? Writing down the answer will increase your success rate from 10% to 25%.
- Don’t give up too easily – it’s your passion and your creative spirit that will really bring about an improved sense of purpose and satisfaction. So, hire a coach or mentor who will increase your success rate from 25% to 95%. Success isn’t just about mirroring excellence, it’s also about accountability – reporting back on your progress will keep you honest and focused.
- Think again – if you don’t want to make New Year’s Resolutions, make it your resolution not to make any; then you won’t feel like a failure at the end of January when you’ve not done them. Simple!