9 Ways To Make Your New Years Resolutions Stick
It is that time of year again! As 2014 draws to an end, it is time to reflect on the year gone by and chart your course for the 365 days which are yet to come. Most of us start the year with ambitious resolutions, only to find our willpower fading away by the time February rolls around. Ladies, 2015 is going to be the year that you stick to your resolutions from beginning to end.
01. Break the big picture down into smaller, attainable targets. More often than not, we lose steam because the end goal seems too far away to reach. Is your resolution to create the ultimate bikini body by the end of the year? In January, aim to work out four times a week. In February, start weight training. By March, plan to loose three pounds. You get the idea!
02. Take out the time to reflect on your progress every week (or better yet, every day). If you are a few steps behind, do not get disheartened. Instead, revise your mini-targets so that you can catch up in good time.
03. Take advantage of technology. There are a host of nifty applications which exist to monitor your workout regime, block your access to social media during work hours, count your calories and even stop you from calling an old flame when emotions are running high. Whatever you need, there is probably an application for it.
04. Dreaming big is important, no doubt, but you must ensure that your resolutions are as realistic as they are challenging. As a rule of thumb, formulate no more than two hard resolutions and up to three easy ones.
05. Stop for a second and make a promise to yourself to fill the upcoming year with good vibes only. If you want to feel good about yourself, your resolutions must evoke positivity and encourage change for the better. Most importantly, they must be your goals and no one else's.
06. Whilst you may have a plethora of goals you are working toward, focus on conquering one at a time. Not only will this prevent you from jumping off the wagon; it will also ensure that you complete everything you do to the best of your ability. Whatever you do, do it with all of your heart.
07. What makes you feel good? Surround yourself with it to create a positive bubble around you. Work out with your favourite music, light up scented candles before studying and don't be afraid to treat yourself to the occasional chocolate (even if your resolution involves clean eating!)
08. You know that nagging voice at the back of your head that says you cannot do it? Defeat it. Challenge that voice. Prove it wrong. In moments of doubt, pull out a pen and paper and list out all the things that make you awesome. Instant confidence booster!
09. Find someone who can hold you accountable to your word. Ideally, this person should be someone who is completely honest with you. They should be able to call you out for slacking without hesitation. Your best girlfriend, mother or significant other all make for a great accountability buddies.
In the end remind yourself of your goals every single day. Visualize the way your life will look when you have conquered your resolutions. As Walt Disney once said, "If you can dream it, you can do it."
What are you waiting for? Start drafting those resolutions!