New year resolutions are not uncommon, but following them through is hard to make a habit of. On average, most people have a short attention span. This can extend the effect to the execution of goals and plans. New year resolutions are equal to the goals we want to meet. Usually, they are plans to get into the habit of doing something good or quitting something bad. However, a resolution can be made for whatever you want it for. If you want to be more productive, or to eat healthier, or invest more often, spend more time with loved ones etc. all the same practical tips are useful.
Importantly, new year resolutions should be meaningful, specific, attainable, relevant, and bound by time.
Write out your goals
Considering that a resolution comprises a goal, writing it out is important. There is no memory stronger than ink. Writing out your plans brings us closer to working them out. At this stage, one can critically analyze the surrounding factors and outline steps that would be pertinent to achieve them. Use sticky notes to write out key things you are resolved to do. Write out details and necessary information in a book as well. One’s state of mind cannot always the same as when they made a resolution. But your notes will always have that. Write out your goals so you can easily re-read these notes to gather motivation each time.
Echo Your Resolution
The more you say something, the more you believe it and even more the possibility of achieving it. The effect of keeping your resolutions abreast of your mind is critical. Echoing your resolution could be you chanting them daily, or telling someone you trust to be a human reminder. Remember we are most likely to do what we continuously hear or thinking about.
Set Alarms and Reminders
One practical difference between someone that can do a task and another that can’t is consistency. One needs to start, continue, and persist till desired outcomes are glaring. Alarms and reminders are key in helping one remain consistent. Set alarms that have regular intervals and reminders with concise information that motivate you afresh, each time. Use alarm tags that are moving and inspiring. I found that I accomplished more tasks when I set reminders and alarms as prompters.
Re-evaluate Regularly
Be honest with yourself when you get the chance, Re-evaluating your goals or resolution gives a view of your position on things. If you frankly update yourself on how a resolution is going, you know where to go with it and what more to do or not. For instance, the goal is to grow your new blog; checking analytics every week is the re-evaluation. It could also be gathering up-to-date relevant information that helps the cause.
Time yourself and Set Rewards
Be sure that your resolution is time bound. The time boundaries on activities automatically lure the mind into doing what is possible to deliver in time. Timing oneself allows for optimal use of resources for the achievable purpose. Set a reasonable time frame for meeting your goal.
One can break down timing into stages for each resolution or each step of a resolution. If the resolution is attaining a healthy weight, eat your favorite meal when you lose 5kg as a reward. Rewarding oneself with a treat or merely appraising yourself with words is encouraging. Encouragement every now and then is healthy for achieving set goals.