| Making New Year’s resolutions is a tradition that dates back to 153 B.C. with Janus, a mythical king who had 2 faces. This allowed him to look into the past and into the future at the same time – which is how most of us come up with our New Year’s resolutions. If you’ve made any resolutions, perhaps they’re some of the top 10: exercising, eating healthier, getting fit, quitting smoking or drinking, losing weight, paying off debts, or spending more time with friends and family. But as we all know, the most challenging part of resolutions isn’t making them – it’s keeping them. Below are some strategies to help you stick with whatever you’re working towards, be it your New Year’s resolutions, or any other personal or professional goals you set in the upcoming year. Set Meaningful Goals
Be sure to make your goals specific; include as much detail as possible and frame them in a way that is as attractive to you as possible. For example, saving money might not mean much, but saving $5,000 to go to Hawaii for 2 weeks by the end of this year is specific, clear, and much more attractive. Take Your Life into Account
Think about the resources you have (time, money, etc), and set goals that you have the resources to work on. For example, if you resolve to start running, but you only have 30 minutes a week to exercise, set your sights on running 5 km instead of a marathon. Prioritize
Fewer goals increase your chance of success – it seems more manageable. Create a list of 3 or 4 items, rather than 10 or 20. It will help you focus, and once you achieve the top priorities and have increased motivation from your successes, you can move on to the other items. Spread the Word
The more people you tell about your resolutions, the more cheerleaders you’ll have. Tell friends, family, coworkers…anyone who will listen. If you lose sight of your goals, fall behind, or need a little extra push, there will always be someone to help get you back on track and stay motivated. You may even get support you weren’t expecting – and there’s no shame in asking if you need help to achieve your objectives. Focus on the Positive
If you’re taking a step in the right direction, even if you’re not all the way there, you’re still making progress. Break down goals into smaller steps and write down the things you’re doing well if you need to. You’ll see how well you’re doing and be motivated to persevere. Reward Yourself
Reaching the targets you’ve set will take time. Reward yourself for milestones along the way so you stay positive and confident, and make sure there is a prize at the finish line too. For example, if your goal is to quit smoking, every week you go without a cigarette, you treat yourself to a meal at a special restaurant, a new article of clothing, a round of golf… you get the idea. And if all else fails, try out a new resolution: I will think of a password other than ‘password’.
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