The Ultimate Guide to Setting and Achieving Your New Year’s Resolutions

It’s that time of year again! A time to reflect on the past twelve months and set our sights on the year ahead. For many of us, that means making New Year’s resolutions.

Whether it’s vowing to finally lose those last 10 pounds, or pledging to save more money, we all have at least one goal that we hope to achieve in the New Year. But according to research, nearly 80% of us will fail to stick to our resolutions by February. So what can we do to make sure we’re part of the 20% that succeeds?

Here are 12 tips to help you make and stick to your New Year’s resolutions:

1. Be specific about your goals.

When it comes to setting New Year’s resolutions, specificity is key. Vague goals like “lose weight” or “save money” are more likely to fail because it’s difficult to measure progress. Instead, try to set a specific, achievable goal, such as “I will lose 10 pounds by March 1st” or “I will save $200 this month.”

2. Write your goals down.

Studies have shown that people who write their goals down are more likely to achieve them. So grab a pen and paper (or open up a new document on your computer) and start writing!

3. Set realistic goals.

It’s important to set goals that you can actually achieve. If your goal is too lofty, you’re likely to get discouraged and give up. For example, if you’re starting from scratch, it’s probably not realistic to set a goal of running a marathon by the end of the year. A more achievable goal might be to run a 5K race by June.

4. Set a deadline.

In addition to setting realistic goals, it’s also important to set a deadline. This will help you stay on track and motivated. For example, if your goal is to lose 20 pounds, try setting a deadline of six months.

5. Make a plan of action.

Once you’ve decided on your goals and set a deadline, it’s time to make a plan of action. What steps do you need to take to achieve your goal? For example, if your goal is to save money, you might need to create a budget and start cutting back on unnecessary expenses.

6. Set aside times each week to work on your goals.

Block out some time each week on your calendar to work on your goals. This will help you stay focused and on track.

7. Find a buddy.

It can be helpful to find a friend or family member who shares your same goal. You can motivate and encourage each other, and hold each other accountable.

8. Join a support group.

If you’re having trouble finding a buddy, there are plenty of support groups out there that can help. Whether it’s an online forum or an in-person meetups group, there’s sure to be a group of people who are working on similar goals.

9. Post your goals where you’ll see them often.

Make sure your goals are front and center by posting them in a place where you’ll see them every day. This could be on your refrigerator, your bathroom mirror, or even on your computer desktop.

10. Tell your friends and family about your goals.

Telling others about your goals will help to hold you accountable and keep you motivated.

11. Reward yourself for progress.

As you make progress toward your goal, be sure to celebrate! Give yourself small rewards along the way, such as a new book or a night out with friends.

12. Stay positive and don’t beat you up.

If you have a setback, don’t give up! Just pick yourself up and start again. Remember that progress is not always linear, and there will be ups and downs along the way.

Conclusion:

Making New Year’s resolutions is a great way to set you up for success in the year ahead. But it’s important to remember that these resolutions won’t achieve themselves. You need to be specific, realistic and have a plan of action if you want to make your goals a reality. And don’t forget to celebrate your successes along the way!