Set Realistic New Year’s Resolutions and Set Yourself up for Success

Most people start the new year by making one or more resolutions. Sadly, around four out of five individuals don’t achieve these goals, according to Forbes. The good news is that you can boost your likelihood of success by creating practical plans and following these tips:

1. Be Realistic

Many people fail to reach their annual goals because they expect far too much of themselves. A resolution ought to challenge you, but it shouldn’t detract from every other aspect of your life. For instance, perhaps you want to save more money. Try setting aside one-tenth of your income rather than aiming for a huge sum.

2. Work Steadily

Some resolutions fail when people try to completely change themselves in a very short time. You’re more likely to succeed if you take gradual steps and follow a long-term plan. Smoke fewer cigarettes every week rather than expecting yourself to quit tomorrow.

A lack of time can interfere with certain goals. Other obligations would probably prevent you from organizing your entire home in a single weekend. Again, it’s better to steadily make a little progress each day than to keep putting off a big project.

3. Be Confident

If you don’t really believe that you can succeed at turning your resolutions into a reality, you probably won’t. Remember: Many famous individuals experienced numerous failures before attaining great success. Previous defeats don’t have to affect what happens in the future, especially if you learn from them.

4. Enjoy It

Find ways to make the process fun and interesting. Losing weight, cutting your living expenses or decluttering might seem boring at first. However, such efforts can become enjoyable when you take a walk in a new place or combine a coupon with a sale to pay less than you ever spent before.

5. Share Goals

People often achieve their resolutions when they talk to friends or family members about these goals. Another person could encourage you, offer helpful advice or participate in the same process. Many individuals don’t give up as easily when someone else knows about their plans.

6. Stay Positive

Never underestimate the power of your thoughts. They play a tremendous role in determining if you succeed. Don’t concentrate on the person who reaches goals faster than you; remember that many others aren’t even trying. Give yourself credit for continually making an effort to improve.

Tackle fears and long-held beliefs that hamper progress. It becomes far more difficult to succeed if you believe there’s something inherently wrong with you or you feel afraid of completing a mission that involves long-term commitment. You might take steps toward an objective while subconsciously undermining yourself at the same time.

To sum it up, your annual resolutions have a better chance of success if you believe in yourself, set realistic goals, achieve gradual progress and find other people who encourage you. We wish all of our readers a happy New Year and the best of luck in making your dreams a reality.