Resolutions. So many of us make them. From losing weight to eating better to saving more money…January is a time for renewal (and paying off that credit card!). Here are some easy and highly effective tips to help you reach your key goals in 2013 and evolve your life. Cheers to your success!
1) Tell lots of people about your goal! Studies show that when others know about our resolutions, we feel more compelled to keep them. Simply put, we don’t want to disappoint others (or look silly) so we are more likely to do what needs to be done in order to reach our goal. For example, in 2013 I’m learning how to do all my own taxes and accounting. Paperwork has always felt like heinous torture, but I am going to conquer it! Guess I better do it now that I’ve posted this proclamation on the internet…
2) Be specific. Resolutions like “I’m going to be healthier” or “I’m going to save a bunch of money” are great, but these ambiguous objectives are nearly impossible to stick to. On the other hand, “I’m going to put $100 dollars a month in my savings” give you direction and a reasonable time frame to achieve your resolution. The more details and parameters you have, the easier it will be to reach your goals. For example, in 2013 I am going to spend 1 hour every Sunday updating my excel spreadsheet with weekly receipts to better track expenses.
3) Put it on paper. Read it aloud. Write down your goal and put in a place you will see everyday. It could be on a post-it note on your bathroom mirror, kitchen fridge or computer monitor. Make it simple and tangible with only a few words. Here’s the trick: write as if you’ve already achieved your goal and read it aloud everyday. One powerful example is the affirmation; “I am strong, vibrant and grateful for my good health.” Your life at this present moment is a reflection of the words you’ve chosen to accept as the truth. When you realize that you are the creator of words you will regain power by speaking positive things into your own life. Sounds a bit nutso, but it definitely works. Try it.
4) Recruit a Teammate. Having a group, partner, friend, or professional to encourage you can be invaluable. Find a friend with a similar resolution or ask a family member to keep you accountable. If your husband knows your goal is to shed 10 lbs by March he can support you by not leaving junk food around the house for you to eat in a weak moment! You can also seek professional help, whether that’s a personal trainer to help you meet your fitness goals or a personal coach. For example, a friend of mine is currently studying to be an accountant and we’re setting up monthly meetings starting in January to keep me organized and on track with paperwork!
5) Forgive yourself. Changing behavior is not easy, so don’t allow a one-day sugar binge leave you feeling demoralized and hopeless. If you get derailed, reframe it as a learning experience and get right back on track. Many people fall into the trap of believing that if they stumble, they should give up. The truth is you don’t have to wait for next year or for some magic moment. Instead, realize that slipping is part of the process and get back to your affirmations and goals!
