This year you will crush your New Year’s goal. If you’re like me, you view the new year as a fresh start or a new beginning. I have to admit that I am more than ready for 2023 to finish, since it was an extremely tough year. Although there have been quite a few positives that occurred, my oldest daughter became a GI Fellow, my youngest daughter officially became a Physicians Assistant, and my niece got married; I’ve also dealt with some devastating situations, like my sister being diagnosed with Breast Cancer and my brother impacted by a traumatic brain injury.
The highs and lows of 2023 have been quite extreme, which is why I am ready for a fresh start. Bring on 2024! Like many, I do like to start the new year with a resolution or goal that I would like to think I can commit to and conquer. But rarely, if ever have I, which is why I went on a hunt to understand how to increase my chances of being successful.
Like anything in life, you need a positive attitude to be successful, so before you read the rest of this post, ask yourself, am I setting a goal just because it has become an annual habit, because my friends or family members are doing it, or because I will feel guilty if I don’t set one? If you answered, “yes” to any of these, then you may not be in it to win it and may be less effective.
If your reason is because you are committed to a positive change in your life, and you are looking to get more motivation, then this will hit the spot! You need to rethink how you approach your new year’s resolution to simply say, what small goals can I set for myself, that I know that I can accomplish which will ultimately make you feel happier.
Don’t go broad with the goal you pick
If I were a betting person, I would bet that some of your previous resolutions were related to fitness, diet, losing weight, or even finances. I know that, not because I am a mind reader, but because these are some of the most typical resolutions that are made each year.
We tend to introduce the same resolutions year after year for various reasons. Maybe because it’s easy, or because we haven’t conquered it yet, or because it’s something that really bothers us about ourselves and we legit want to change it. Regardless of the reason, this time I am asking you to be more thoughtful about what you choose, and here is the reason.
If you pick the same goal every year and don’t reach it, then you have subconsciously created a negative pattern that most likely will not change. You know the drill, the definition of insanity, doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result. The result will be the same each time which means you need to change it up.
This year it’s time to break that pattern. For this year’s resolution I want you to be thoughtful about what you choose, and think about something that is not only doable, but also not complicated and easy to track.
For instance, for too many years I had losing weight on my check list. If you think about it, that goal becomes complicated because you need to consider the diet you will use, if you want to include some type of exercise, how much weight should I lose, when should I weigh myself, and the list can go on and on, which can become overwhelming.
Instead, narrow it down and make your goal something like eating a certain amount of Protein, or walking for 20 minutes, or even taking a certain number of steps each day. The reason this approach works is because you can easily measure your success each day, which keeps you motivated.
Remember-not complicated, easily doable, and easy to track.
Your Purpose can make the difference
Most times when we set goals for ourselves, there is usually a reason behind it. I want to lose weight so I look better in clothes, or so I can comfortably wear a bathing suit in public when I go on vacation, or something else along those lines.
Although those are all good reasons, the question is, do these reasons motivate us enough to make a change? Likely not, if in years past we haven’t been successful. Therefore, when we choose our resolution, we should try and connect it to a purpose that will have a life changing impact on us.
For instance, using one of the goals above, walking for 20 minutes each day, the reason I am choosing this is because I want to be able to play with my grandchild without getting out of breath or when my friends ask me to do an activity, I will now be able to join them and not be too tired. These are both things that could be very meaningful and would make us very unhappy if we had to miss out on them.
Let’s face it as we get older, we reflect more on our regrets in life, so using this opportunity to minimize our regrets will not only make us more successful but happier too.
It’s all in how you say it
I have to lose weight and the doctor told me I need to exercise for 20 minutes each day. I’ll get right on that! Even though I know how important it would be for me to lose weight and exercise, the doctor telling me I need to do it makes it seem like such a chore. And for whatever reason my stubbornness kicks in and defeats me before I even get started.
Now what would happen if we changed that up a little and instead of using the word “need” we change it to “get”. I get to walk 20 minutes each day. I know silly, right? But it does matter, at least to me. Changing that one word turns it into doing something special or a treat. Nobody is forcing me or telling me I have to, but it’s something I get to do.
Yes, the slight change in one word can make a difference. If you don’t believe me, try it. Say it that way repetitively, and you will start to see your guard slowly drop.
Have an Accountability Partner
Enrolling a partner to go on this journey with you will not only help you stay motivated, but it will also build a stronger relationship in the process.
I find that when there is someone else relying on me to do something, I am more likely to follow through. If I plan on waking up at 6AM to walk, and I am extremely tired, I have a much better chance of pushing through if someone is waiting on me as opposed to walking myself. We feel more obligated when somebody is relying on us, whereas we are more than happy to let ourselves down.
Now you may think it won’t be easy to find a willing partner, but you might be surprised who accepts the challenge. Just don’t be afraid to ask.
The below is a picture of me and my daughters after we ran a half marathon. If I didn’t promise them I would do it, there is NO way I would have showed up on race day!
Don’t let a small break defeat the bigger purpose
You have a goal, it’s easy enough to track, there is a wonderful purpose as to why you chose it, you’re excited that you “get” to do it, and luckily your best friend is on this journey with you. Check, check, check.
You are well on your way for success! You’re humming along, things are going extremely well, but it seems like the flu has taken over your body and you haven’t walked in 4 days. It happens, no biggie.
There will always be bumps along the way, in fact you should count on them. But that doesn’t mean they need to be goal ending. Yes, you may have needed to stop for a short period of time, but you “get” to start up again.
The key is to plan for these events ahead of time. If you need to stop and now have become unmotivated to restart again, then what will you do?
First, I would focus on what you’ve already accomplished, secondly, remember “why” you chose this goal in the first place, and lastly, call or text your accountability partner and lean on them for motivation.
Celebrate the little successes
If you follow these simple tips, you will be well on your way to reaching your goals for 2024. Once you have successfully achieved your first goal, celebrate. It’s important that you appreciate all the positive changes you are making both big and small. Once you’ve accomplished your first goal, then you can add on using the same methodology.
Even if your experience is not perfect, embrace the moment, enjoy the journey, and be happy that you are lucky enough to make yet another New Year’s resolution. It’s all in the attitude, so keep it positive!
If you want some unique goal ideas, then read this post for some great ideas!
Keep me posted on your success! Let me know what you’ve chosen as a New Year’s Resolution or Goal. If you want someone to strategize with, comment below.