A new year is to contemplate what happened over the prior year, then put it to bed. It is a new year, full of new opportunities, and a whole new you. Some people desire to have new relationships, while others want to banish debt or find more time to do the things they love to do.
No matter your goals; the primary concern is sticking with them for the next 12 months of the year. Can there be a better way to succeed at your goals?
Consider Short-Term Goals First
Sure, you may want to lose that 40 pounds you put on after having your new baby or even from having a sedentary lifestyle. However, that is not going to happen overnight. Start with short-term goals first, such as the examples below.
Weight Loss: Go through your fridge and bag the fatty foods. Get rid of ice cream, cheese, fatty meats, and treats.
New Relationship: Start by creating dating site profiles, rather than focussing on finding someone to marry, or the children you want.
Better Organization: Do you really need all this stuff? If you have not read magazines or newspapers in a month, chances are you never will. Grab them all and toss them in the recycling bin.
Break Long-Term Goals Into Smaller Parts
If you are seeking a significant change in your life, whether it is weight loss, a new career, or saving money for a trip, it is going to take time to get there.
Break big goals down into 4-6 parts. For example, a weight loss goal may involve buying a new yoga mat and outfit, finding local yoga classes, or searching for the best yoga DVDs. You can participate in a yoga class once per week then move up to 3 times a week.
If you are saving up to go on a trip or get pregnant, stop buying at the local coffee shop and make healthy herbal teas at home. Now you can save the money for your new goal.
Do your small steps so eventually they become routine. Your mind will eventually remember. So, instead of picking up that TV remote after you get home from work you will soon remember it is yoga first, then healthy vegan salad for dinner.
Switch Things Around
Often most of us do things out of habit, but after a certain length of time, we get bored with them. Don’t be afraid of offending people by canceling out on regular activities.
If you need the time to exercise, or you want to save money instead of spending it at the bar every weekend, step up and commit to your new goal. Switch it around, and now you have more time to do what you want to do.
What Are Your Goals for This Year?
Your brain loves routine as it does not have to think too much. Soon you will be able to adapt to your new schedule. Now you will have a great new year, as you will succeed at your short-term goals by February, and are well on your way to longterm goal success by summer!
