New Year’s Resolutions do not have to be a stressful task at the beginning of each year or a major disappointment by the end of March. Resolutions, at any time of the year create opportunity for making positive changes in your life.
When considering what changes you will make, here are three tips:
- Embrace the Opportunity to Improve!
- Choose Goals that are Achievable!
- Prepare for Obstacles and Remove Them Whenever Possible!
1. Embrace the Opportunity to Improve!
Each day brings 24 hours of possibilities. So, you don’t have to wait until January 1st to start. But, whether you start on January 1st or June 30th, take an open minded positive approach for finding ways to be the best version of yourself. Look at the things about yourself that you think could be better or that may move you closer to your goals. Accept that we all have room for improvement and that a little self analysis can be a great tool for identifying what positive changes will make you a better you. So, don’t just be sad about things that you don’t like about yourself or your situation. Focus on what you can control and start today to change for the better!
2. Choose Goals that are Achievable!
Ever heard of SMART goals? SMART Goals are
- Specific – target a specific area for improvement.
- Measurable – quantify or at least suggest an indicator of progress.
- Assignable – specify who will do it.
- Realistic – state what results can realistically be achieved, given available resources.
- Time-related – specify when the result(s) can be achieved.
SMART goals allow you to focus on what you want to change, identify what resources you need to change it and measure how effective you are at making that change. This specificity allows for better planning, better execution and a greater chance for success. So, be SMART and take the time to be as detailed as possible about what you want to change for the better.
3. Prepare for Obstacles and Remove Them Whenever Possible!
No matter how well we plan, we cannot foretell the future. But, we can plan ahead for normal possibilities and remove variables and obstacles whenever possible.
For example, if you are planning to start exercising, how can the weather affect your plans? Weather is a variable that you cannot control. Can you remove the effect weather can have on your plans? Can you plan to exercise inside, or at home and perhaps only go outside if weather permits? By removing the effect weather can play, you are able to exercise freely and work toward your goal.
Removing the variables and making plans based on what you can control allows for a greater chance for success. So no matter what happens with the things you can’t control you can focus on your plan for change and work everyday at being the best version of yourself.
We hope these tips help. If you have any questions, please contact us using the form below!