Your intention was to start the year off with a bang.
You made all the necessary plans to ensure that this was going to be the year that you made big changes and saw big results.
However, most people either forget about or give up on their New Year’s resolutions by February. Does this sound familiar?
It’s August. How are you doing?
Even if you’re one of the masses that isn’t on track at this point, there’s still plenty of time to pull out a big win. You don’t have to wait until next year to try again. The first of the year is just another day. Today is just as good a day as any to start again.
This year can still be the most amazing year of your life!
Make your New Year’s resolutions a reality with this step by step plan.
Try these techniques to stay with or get back on track with your resolutions:
Evaluate your behavior based on your resolutions.
Think about your resolutions and consider your behavior regarding those goals.
- How are you acting in ways that are supportive of those goals? For example, if you’re trying to lose weight, are you choosing your foods wisely? Are you exercising?
- How are you acting in ways that are counter to your goals?
- How are you basing your decisions on your goals?
- Do you often plan your day with your goals in mind?
Evaluate your results based on your resolutions.
Have you made much progress? How many pounds have you lost? How much money have you saved? Are you close to achieving your goal?
- How long is it going to take to reach your objectives based on your progress so far?
Be honest with yourself.
If you’re failing, why? When did you start getting off track? What is the reason for your lack of progress? What could you have done better?
- If you’re doing well, what improvements can you make?
- Do you still want to achieve this goal? It’s fine if you don’t, but that’s a good sign that it’s time for a new goal!
Make a new plan if necessary.
Make a new plan if you’re struggling. See if you can make an even better plan if you’re ahead of schedule. Set milestones and review your progress toward those milestones at regular intervals.
For example, if you’re looking for a new job, begin with our Job Board. Then educate yourself with negotiating skills, job interviewing skills, and networking skills (even useful after you land that job).
Predict the obstacles.
Consider the obstacles you’ve already faced and consider new obstacles you’re likely to encounter.
- Have a plan in place to deal with those issues if they arise. Obstacles are less intimidating if you already have a strategy in place for dealing with them.
Gather your resources.
Think about everything you’re going to need to be successful this time.
- How much time will you need each day?
- What knowledge do you need to acquire?
- Whose help do you need?
- What personality traits and attitudes do you need to possess?
Reevaluate on a regular basis.
Avoid letting yourself lapse this time around. Schedule a time to sit down and evaluate your progress. This might be nightly or monthly, depending on your goal. Think about what will work best for your situation.
Don’t give up.
If your goal is even remotely reasonable, you’ll eventually succeed If you keep trying. You’re guaranteed to fail if you give up.
Remember: Successful people are bold, and they don’t give up.
It’s common for people to give up, or forget about, their New Year’s resolutions by the time February 1st rolls around. There’s no reason to lose hope even if you fall into that category this year.
Every day is a good day to start taking your life seriously and commit to making real progress.
Give yourself the privilege of a reset and start again. Use what you’ve learned in the last month to make a more effective plan going forward.
