New Year’s Resolutions
Many of us establish New Year’s resolutions on January 1st with the intent of sticking to them. The reality however is that although we start the year off super motivated and pumped, as everyday life sets in, we become preoccupied and often forget what our resolutions are in the first place.
One of the most common New Year’s resolutions is the lose weight. January is therefore the most profitable month for gyms. Mine for instance was packed yesterday morning at 6 am, when at other times of year it’s usually dead. I spoke with some of the staff at my gym about this and they told me that come February, it will be back to quiet mornings.
Why is it that we set these resolutions, but we can’t stick to them? Are we over committing? Are we setting realistic goals?
As a person who likes to set goals every January, here are some of my tips that can help you stick to your 2020 resolutions.
- Don’t try to be an over-achiever by setting too many goals
For 2020, I have decided to stick to a realistic list of 5 goals. I list them in order of importance, and post them in a place where I can see them daily. For me it’s my bulletin board above my computer screen at work. Seeing them daily helps me keep them top of mind.
- Designate someone to hold you accountable
Last January, my CEO asked me to establish 2019 goal(s) – personal or professional, and to share them with him. He would then check in every quarter requesting an update on the status of my progress. I addition to having someone hold you accountable, I also like to collaborate with friends or co-workers who establish the same goals. Last year, I partnered with a co-worker and we both gave up sugar for 60 days. Having someone nearby that you can share your experience with, helps make it more tolerable.
- Be realistic – don’t set goals that are not achievable.
When establishing your goals, make sure they are realistically achievable. For instance, if you want to lose 10 pounds, set a timeline that’s realistic for losing the weight and set smaller milestone goals. For example, losing one pound per week. I also like documenting things I need to do that will help me achieve my goals. For a weight loss goal, this could be exercising X times per week, or cutting out certain foods like soda or desserts.
- Celebrate when progress is made!
I like to reward myself for my achievements – who doesn’t? Celebrating our accomplishments helps us stay motivated to keep going. Rewards could be treating yourself to a spa treatment, buying a new clothing item, or meeting friends for dinner. It’s something you enjoy and would consider a “treat” on a normal day.
Remember, it’s normal to fall off the wagon. As long as you can get yourself back up and keep going, anything is possible.
Let’s Accelerate Next to an amazing 2020!