Every year thousands of resolutions are made, but only a small fraction upheld. Ever wanted to know how to make your resolutions stick? Setting goals doesn’t have to be hard, you’ve just got to know where to start! Here are five tips to help you achieve your goals in 2020!
1. Pen to Paper
When ideas are in your head, they can get lost and muddled, so why not try writing down your goals down old-fashioned style with a pen and paper. You will create a stronger emotional connection to your goals if they are written down for you to see, rather than keeping them locked in your mind.
2. Know your Motivation
If you’re thinking of starting something new, learning a new talent or committing your time to a project, you must know your motivation style. Are you internally motivated? Or are you externally motivated? If you are an individual go getter who sets your mind on something and can achieve it, then you are internally motivated. If you are motivated by others and need to feel a part of a team to get you going, then you are externally motivated.
3. Be realistic
A common mistake people make when setting new goals is making them too profound. Wanting to lose 10kg or quit smoking cold turkey are great for your health, but if not achieved, they may leave you feeling unsuccessful and deflated. Instead, try making small changes like going for a walk every day with a friend, eating five vegetables a day, or cutting back the cigarettes you have in the week. Set goals that are achievable and have a positive effect on your overall wellbeing.
4. Logical steps
Rome wasn’t built in a day. Neither were your goals. Going from zero to hero is not the answer when it comes to a new goal. For example if your New Year Resolution is to run a marathon, get yourself a proper running program and follow the progressions over a reasonable period of time. Setting logical steps over a generous time frame will help you reach your goals.
5. Accountability
Whatever your goals are in 2020, making sure you stick to them can be really tricky. A great way to stay on track is to increase your accountability to them, whether that be a commitment to a friend to give up chocolate, a weekly lesson to learn how to play guitar or signing up for a running event to ensure you meet you target!