story by Karla Stance
If you haven’t already started on your New Year’s resolution, I’m guessing you have at least already brainstormed a few ideas and accomplishments you have in mind for 2019. According to Statistic Brain Research Institute, the top five New Year’s resolutions for 2017 revolved around losing weight/healthier eating, self-improvement, making better financial decisions, participating in more exciting things, and to quit smoking. However, it can be discouraging to know that only 9.2 percent of us will actually achieve a New Year’s resolution. It is easy to fall off track once we get back into the swing of our daily routine after the holiday season. No matter what your goal may be, it clearly meant something to you, or you wouldn’t have marked the new year by thinking about it. Resolutions are still a symbol of hope and happiness for a new year, no matter when you start!
If it’s a few days, weeks, or even months after the first of January, know that it’s not too late. The best thing to do is to forget the delay or any related sense of failure and get motivated to start immediately! Wipe the slate clean and make sure your goals are realistic and attainable, setting a mental pathway for success. Usually, the reason many people fail relates back to an internal battle which creates a barrier, so stop overthinking.
Goals, no matter what they may be, should also be measurable, or else you will never know what you have achieved. Develop a timeline that includes short-term goals, so you can focus on progress versus an overall outcome. Start by taking it slow and easing into new habits, which will eventually lead to a new lifestyle. Know that you may not see immediate rewards, especially right after the stressful holiday season of over eating, spending, and relaxation. If your goals are related to fitness or weight loss, find apps to help you stay on track, document weigh-ins and measurements. If you’re looking to save money, calculate how much you spend, on average, each month eating out. Use Pinterest to find simple and tasty packed lunches as a guide that you can make. If you’re looking for more adventure, research activities and keep a bucket list, adding activities to your calendar in advance as a plan. Research your goal and find resources to help you reach it.
Lastly, it can be hard to stay motivated and committed, but finding a friend that has similar goals as you can be helpful. If you can hold each other accountable or even just chat about your resolutions, it will help with encouragement to stay on track. The fear of letting someone else down can motivate you to succeed.
If you are late getting started, make a mistake, or get off track, don’t throw in the towel just yet. Change doesn’t have to start on January 1st. You have plenty of time left in the year. It is important to develop your New Year’s resolution and achieve goals for yourself to make 2019 the best year yet. Before you start, it is better to understand why you desire the particular change in the first place. There’s usually a bigger, more meaningful purpose behind a New Year’s resolution. Now is the time. So, hit the reset button and get to work!