New Year’s resolutions are a popular tradition, but they often fail due to poor goal setting. Instead of setting broad or ambitious goals that are hard to stick to, it’s better to set action-based goals that are easy to achieve on a regular basis. This can help you make progress towards your bigger results-based goals and stay motivated.
The biggest mistakes people make
One common mistake people make when setting New Year’s resolutions is choosing goals that are too broad or general. For example, “I want to get in shape” is a vague goals and hard to measure progress with.
The other and probably more common mistake is setting a goal too big to easily break down. For example, “I want to lose 50 pounds”. Without a clear plan or specific actions to take, it’s easy to lose motivation and give up on big goals like these.
On the other hand, action-based goals are specific and easy to track. Examples of action-based goals for a New Year’s resolution might include “I want to exercise 3 times a week,” “I want to limit take-out to once a week,” or “I want to eat a homemade lunch at least 4 times a week.” These goals are clear, measurable, and achievable, which makes it easier to stay on track and see progress.
As your wins pile up, it becomes easier to stay on track.
Do some planning
In addition to setting specific and action-based goals, it’s also important to make a plan for how you will achieve your goals. This might include setting a schedule, finding a workout partner, or finding ways to make healthy eating more convenient. By taking concrete steps to move towards your goals, you are more likely to stay motivated and achieve success.
Another way to increase your chances of success with a New Year’s resolution is to start small and build up gradually. Instead of trying to make a drastic change all at once, try setting a smaller goal and gradually increasing the difficulty or intensity as you progress.
For example, if your goal is to exercise more, you might start by jogging for 15 minutes a day and gradually increasing the duration or intensity over time. By starting small, you can build momentum and confidence, which will make it easier to stick to your resolution in the long run.
Let others help you
One final tip for success with a New Year’s resolution is to enlist the support of others. Having someone to motivate and encourage you can make a big difference, especially when you are trying to make a significant change in your life.
This is one of the reasons we see so much success inside the walls of OnSide. The people and coaches your regularly workout with want you to succeed and will do whatever they can to help keep you on track.
You can do it!
In summary, the key to success with a New Year’s resolution is to set specific, action-based goals and make a plan for how to achieve them. Start small and build up gradually, and don’t be afraid to seek support from friends and family. By following these guidelines, you can increase your chances of sticking to your resolution and achieving your goals in the new year.