It’s a new year and you’re looking at eating healthier, going to the gym or maybe you’re wanting to start a business. In either scenario you should always start small, not only does this help you to more likely stick to goals but it also shows you a steady flow of progress rather than expecting everything to happen overnight. By creating smaller, more manageable steps you also trick your mind into thinking you have done more; helping you to feel more accomplished.
Here are my steps to help you stick to your new year’s resolution in 2022:
Plan
I can’t stress this enough, if you want to create a goal it is best to look at the smaller, individual steps to take rather than jumping straight in without knowing what to expect. By focusing on the smaller steps you allow yourself some leeway, especially if there is an investment involved. Creating a detailed plan can help you stick to your goal. It allows you to consider what tactics you will use when you’re faced with things that can and may get difficult. This can give you the steps you need to do to stay on route toward making your resolution a reality.
Take it step by step
As I have said above, taking it step by step will help you stick to your goals but with much less overwhelm. It also gives you little opportunities to celebrate throughout the year, after reaching each milestone you put in place, you can give yourself a pat on the back.
While it may feel like slow progress at the start, this ultimately gives you the tools to stick to your resolution in the long term. You will start to create the habit needed to stay on track because you will be better invested.
Try not to take on too much
Taking on too much all at once can be daunting. It can make things pretty difficult. When you are trying to establish new behavioural patterns you need to realise it takes time and sustained effort. So, focusing on one specific goal makes keeping a resolution much more achievable because you are giving it your 100% rather than trying to keep to 5 and only giving 20%.
If later on in the year you happen to reach your goal and feel like you are ready to add in something else to focus on by all means do it, just again take the small steps, plan your way, and do not put too much on your plate.
Ask for support
You should never be embarrassed or afraid to ask for help. Support can help you gauge your footing, you will be able to still make progress but the right kind of progress, rather than going around in circles trying to figure out what you need to do next in order to get to your next step. Just because it is your new year’s resolution does not mean people won’t be willing to help and support you. The buddy system actually works. Having a solid support system, and a foundation can help you stay motivated and more likely to hold yourself accountable. Plus, having a buddy makes sticking to your resolution all the more fun, too. So, ideally, find a like-minded pal or loved one to join you in your goal. Keep each other motivated and maybe add a little fun, harmless competition.
Don’t give up
Creating a new habit can be frustrating and you may lose your drive, it’s fine we are only human, but you shouldn’t give up. You are more than capable, there just might be a few bumps in the road but once you surpass these you end up feeling so accomplished and proud you want to keep going and keep pushing to reach your “master” goal.
You can always take a new approach and find a new direction. When you face such moments, where you want to give up and just stop, remind yourself exactly why you are doing this, what you started and why you wanted to have this as your new year’s resolution. Think about, or even write down, what you have to gain by achieving your goal. Finding different sources of inspiration can keep you going when times get tough, which will result in so much more satisfaction when you get past it and meet your goals.
Always remember, do not be too hard on yourself if you do happen to sway off track, just pick yourself up, dust yourself off and keep going. This isn’t all linear, you will have highs and lows, but sticking to it and focusing on achieving what you want to achieve will increase your confidence and help you prove to yourself that you can do it and you are far more capable than you know.