It's that time of year again, when all the thoughts about what we want to accomplish in the next 365 days come rushing into our minds. If you're like most professional women, you probably want to make some resolutions for the new year but don't know where to start or how to actually stick with them. It's easy to get overwhelmed or discouraged when setting lofty goals that require effort and discipline over long periods of time- especially while balancing a full-time job and other commitments. But here's the thing: no matter what your ambition is related to - health, career development, relationships-or anything else!-you can create achievable New Year's resolutions that will enable you hit these targets one step at a time. To help kickstart your discovery process-and ultimately maintain momentum-here are practical tips on how to make New Year's resolutions that will last beyond February!
Create SMART Goals
The best way to set yourself up for success is to create SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-Bound. Start by identifying what you want to accomplish (Specific), determine how you will measure your progress (Measurable), make sure the goal is achievable (Attainable), ensure that it's relevant and important to you (Realistic) and assign a time frame or deadline (Time-Bound). Setting SMART goals takes practice but can be incredibly useful in helping you stay focused and motivated throughout your journey.
Think About What You Want To Change
Another great way to come up with resolution ideas is to think about what changes you would like to make in 2023. For example, if you want to improve your physical health, consider setting a goal such as "I will exercise three times per week" or "I will eat two servings of vegetables every day." If you want to improve your mental health, consider setting a goal such as "I will meditate for 15 minutes each morning" or "I will unplug from work after 6 PM each night." Taking time to reflect on the areas of your life that need improvement can help generate more meaningful resolutions-ones that will truly help you reach your goals this year!
Find an Accountability Partner
Having someone who supports and encourages you along the way can be extremely helpful when trying to reach any goal. Consider finding an accountability partner-someone who can keep track of your progress and provide honest feedback when needed. An accountability partner could be a friend or family member who has similar goals as yours or even a professional coach if budget allows. Having someone who holds you accountable can be invaluable in helping you stay motivated throughout 2023 and beyond.
Sticking To Your Goals and Plan
As the months go by, it can be harder and harder to keep up our momentum. After all, life is full of surprises and unexpected detours! Here are some tips for how you can stay motivated towards your goals three, six, and nine months into the new year.
Set Benchmarks
To keep yourself motivated over a longer period of time, break down your goal into smaller chunks or benchmarks. This way you can track your progress throughout the year and celebrate when you hit a milestone along the way. Also, if you happen to fall off track at some point during the journey, it's easier to get back on track when you have a system in place.
Be Mindful Of Your Surroundings
Another key factor in maintaining motivation is being mindful of your environment. Take stock of what's going on around you and adjust accordingly if need be. If something isn't working out as planned or feels like too much stress, take a step back and re-evaluate what needs adjusting so that progress can continue in a positive direction without feeling overwhelmed by too much pressure or unrealistic expectations from yourself or others. Taking breaks when needed can also help with this process.
Remind Yourself Why You Made These Resolutions
It's easy to forget why we made these resolutions in the first place - so take some time out for yourself every now and then to reflect on why you chose this set of goals for yourself. Writing them down or even creating a vision board can also be helpful - it's something you can look back on when things get tough. Remembering why you wanted these changes in your life will help reinforce your commitment to them and . . .keep you motivated in achieving them!
Dream it. Do it. Be it!
As we turn the page into another year, it's important to take stock of where we are and where we want our lives to go next. Setting meaningful New Year's resolutions that actually stick is one great way of doing just that; however, coming up with good ideas for these resolutions isn't always easy! With these tips in mind though - create SMART goals; think about what changes need made; find an accountability partner - and then sticking to your plan - - you CAN do it. Here's wishing everyone a happy & successful 2023 ahead!
I'm a serial entrepreneur, with a resume that makes me look like a Jane of all trades. Pretty sure we are all reluctant Messiahs, travelling through life planting seeds where ever we can. Hopefully, most of mine have been good ones! MA from Miami University (Ohio, not Florida), BA from Cal State.
