How are we already on week two of 2019? If you’re the New Year’s Resolution type, you’ve probably made your list and started checking things off. If you want to be the resolution type but tend to struggle, you’re in good company and there is hope! Read on for a few tips on making and keeping your goals.
Identify Your “Why”
In order to create goals you’re going to stick to, you should know why you’re hoping to accomplish the things on your list. Hoping to get a promotion? Why? It may seem like a no-brainer, but chances are good that you have a specific reason you’d like to move up the ladder that isn’t as surface level as getting a new title. Are you striving for more respect in the workplace? A pay raise to help fund your side project or pay off that credit card? Do you love your company and have genuine plans to increase its success? Finding your “why” will help you stay connected with your objectives and motivate you to keep going despite the inevitable challenges.
What’s Stopping You?
Be honest with yourself about the obstacles to your goals. Have you made a similar resolution in the past and had trouble keeping it? Maybe you resolve to eat healthily and exercise each year, but struggle to find time to hit the gym and cook three meals a day. Once you identify your obstacle – in this case, time – you can come up with a solution. Sticking with our health-conscious example, meal prepping over the weekend and choosing a virtual fitness membership could help alleviate some of the time crunch during the work week and allow you to stay on track.
Celebrate Your Successes
It’s easy to beat yourself up for a setback, but when you do, your motivation to keep going is likely to take a hit. Instead, take pride in every step you take towards your goal. As many famous figures have noted, even small steps move you forward! Don’t underestimate the power of celebrating a win. Positive reinforcement is one of the best ways to influence success – measure your progress in small increments to help remind yourself that you’re accomplishing your goals, no matter how slowly.
No matter what your goals are for 2019, be proud of yourself for making a commitment to a better you. Sharing your resolutions with your support system can give you a boost – ask the people in your life to help keep you accountable to yourself. Cheers to the new year!
What are your goals for 2019? Let us know on on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!
