As we are just a few days away from 2022, this blog will be discussing some ways you can get a head start on the new year.
Have a purpose. This may sound obvious, but in addition to knowing what you want to do, it’s important to know why you want to do it. What is your purpose in wanting to achieve these goals? What are you trying to reach? Without a purpose, you may not have any motivation to pursue your goals. Having a purpose gives you direction, helping you to know where you’re going. Ask yourself these questions to make sure this purpose is a good fit for you. How well does this purpose align with your values? With what you yearn for? Answering these questions helps you reflect on how well this purpose will likely lead to the life you truly want to live.
Be realistic. As we have discussed in previous blogs, it is important to be realistic when setting your goals. Don’t wish for something impractical as this can cause you to become unmotivated if you aren’t able to accomplish it. However, you want to try and find a balance between being realistic but also challenging yourself. If the goal is too easy for what you’ve already done before, you may not be able to experience your desired growth. Also, when you are able to succeed, it may motivate you to go even further and exceed your own expectations.
Be specific. When you’re not specific enough, it can be hard to know where to start. This can lead to frustration and may result in you gradually forgetting about your New Year’s resolutions. Being specific about what steps you need to take can help give you a better understanding of what needs to be done in order to lead to your success. It does this by letting you see where your concentration and efforts should be focused so you can avoid distractions.
Track your progress. Create a list of the goals that you wish to achieve. It can serve as a tangible, visual aid of what you want to accomplish. It can be hard keeping track of your goals if you only track them mentally. You may forget them or not be able to have a clear understanding of what you need to do in order to accomplish them. This is especially so if you are dealing with a long term goal. Tracking your progress can help you stay focused and give you a sense of accountability. It can also help you have a clearer idea of where you are in your goals as well as whether or not a change needs to be made. In addition, it lets you see the growth you have while striving toward your goal.
Celebrate your accomplishments. Keeping up with your goals is something of which you should be proud. Periodically rewarding yourself with healthy treats is a great way to help keep you motivated (i.e. positive reinforcement). It can encourage you to continue working towards your overall goal.
Have fun! Accomplishing your goals doesn’t have to be systematic or confined to their “normal” areas. Feel free to try and get creative with the different things that you do. For example, if part of your goal is to be more active, you don’t have to confine your workouts to the gym. You can consider things like dancing, hiking, or other physical activities that help you work out your body. If you’re trying to eat healthier, try making meals and snacks with family and/or friends.
Overall, it’s important to just be you. Remember that you are the best you there could ever be. For those who do want to set goals, be sure that it is something that will make you happy. Try taking a look at our Planning Your Ambitious New Year’s Resolutions for additional tips.
Happy New Year in advance!
Feature Photo by geralt on Pixabay
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Kay Loughrey, MPH, RDN, LDN
Transformational Speaker, Breakthrough Coach, Nutritionist-Dietitian
Blessing Bolomope, Student Intern
B.S. Nutrition & Food Science – Dietetics
University of Maryland, College Park | 2020