Is your goal small and attainable? Reevaluate your current resolution for 2018 and ask yourself, “Is this possible?” Don’t set yourself up for failure. Instead, you should set realistic goals for yourself and track your progress along the way until you’ve achieved what you set out to do.
Start Small
According to the American Psychological Association, choosing small, attainable goals will better help you reach whatever it is you strive for. If your goal is to get in shape, think of it as a positive behavior or lifestyle change. The more specific you are, the more likely you are to succeed at achieving them. Focus on changing one behavior at a time so you don’t get overwhelmed.
Schedule It Out
Don’t wait until you “find the time” to work toward your goal, because that perfect time may never come. Instead, decide to make your new goals a priority and physically schedule them into your calendar. Schedule recurring time blocks, or a specific day and time, depending on what type of goal you have. Treat these new time blocks just like they were doctor appointments that can’t be rescheduled. You should treat your new year’s resolution time blocks with just as much priority as hard-to-get doctor appointments.
Measure Your Progress
As the saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Research shows that only about 8 percent of people actually achieve their New Year’s resolutions. Start slow, measure your progress, and don’t give up if you make a mistake. Tracking your progress will be a source of motivation on your toughest days.
Share Your Ambitions
Talking about your experiences with family and friends will keep you motivated. Recruit an accountability partner to check in with you daily or weekly, making sure you’re staying on track. You can also do this on social media. For example, training for a big race? Post on social media every time you run, or download a fitness app with a built-in community that can applaud your successes and helps you move past any mistakes.
With the help of these tips, you’ll be on your way to reaching your 2018 goal in no time!