We've all done it. The lists, the plans, the vows... then a couple months pass and you realize that you haven't kept up with any of your New Year's resolutions. But you can overcome those old habits and push onward to a new and better you! Make 2018 your most productive year yet with these 5 simple steps.
Write It Down
There is something to be said for taking what was once simply in your mind and making it a tangible item. You can motivate yourself with that little slip of paper by placing it physically around you. Jot it on the bathroom mirror; stick a post it on the side of your work monitor; doodle it at the top of your daily planner. Make it a physical part of your world. Won't it be satisfying to cross that off your planner, or crumple up that note, once that achievement is met?
Share It With Someone
This could be executed in two ways. The first way is to give it power by saying it out loud. Accomplish this by telling a friend your plans. Let someone outside of yourself know what your goal is. This will help you create a sense of accountability. You will want to complete the task not only prove it to yourself, but to show off your achievements to your friend. The second part is to actually share the same goal as that person. Not only are you helping each other stay on track, but you are aiming for the same achievement. This course of action gives you a buddy system and allows you to lean on each other for advice and support.
Keep Track to Stay on Track
Track your progress! If you can see that everyday you're working hard towards your desired results, you're much more likely to continue that behavior as time progresses. On the flip side, if you see that you started the week strong but ended it weak, you can make mental notes of where you went wrong to correct that behavior in the future. Tracking our road to success is the best way to make necessary changes and congratulate ourselves on the milestones.
Patience is Key
Rome wasn't built in a day! And occasionally, timelines need to be adjusted. Slow down and take a step back if you have to. Pausing to refocus will help keep your dreams from getting muddled along the way. With a bit of reflection, your goal is sure to stick this time. Think big picture!
Persistence
"I get knocked down, but I get up again, you're never gonna keep me down." (Only 90s kids will remember..) Do not allow a small failure to ruin your big picture. So you had an extra "cheat day"? Fallen behind on your goal? Briefly lost sight? It's never too late to pick it back up! Finishing later than you had intended is always more noble than not finishing at all!