It’s almost to celebrate the close to another year with toasts, champagne, and of course, the coveted New Year’s Eve kiss. But once the ball has dropped and the glitter swept up, it is time to start thinking about the new year ahead, 2023. That also means recapping those 2022 new year goals you set for yourself. Did you travel more? Read more? Exercise more? Or did you find it hard to keep those goals you set for yourself January 1. Don’t be discouraged, most people have a hard time keeping those hard to obtain goals. But by creating a realistic plan, you can successfully achieve your goals, and we happen to have some tips to help you stay successful.
Pick the Proper Resolution
Don’t base your resolutions on what you think everyone else will be adding to their resolution list, it needs to be specific to you. Proper resolutions should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and Time-bound. Basically think of the specific, ok “I want to lose 5 lbs by the summer”, perfect. That meets much more of the requirements. Now you try.
Make A Plan
It doesn’t mean your lofty goals for out of reach, but place them within reach. You won’t wake up suddenly have lost 5 lbs, you need a plan to get that weight off. Mentally preparing yourself, staying positive and asking yourself these questions can also be helpful in your plan making:
- Where have I failed in the past?
- Where did I make progress?
After answering these questions, be sure to correct and tweak your goals, there is nothing wrong with changing your “5 lbs goal” to “3 lbs”, or “10 lbs”, or even just “to feel healthier”.
Don’t Get Discouraged
No body is perfect, so don’t get discouraged if you fall off track, you can always make your way back. Remember that goals aren’t immediate and they take time, but having small victories can go a long way for success for larger goals.
Write Down Your Goals
Keep a journal, or create a note in your phone with your goals you wish to obtain. This way you won’t forget anything, you can add to goals, or even change them completely. If you want to go a step further, creating a dream board is another fun way to showcase your goals for everyday viewing. Take photos, quotes, reminders, or anything that will remind you of your resolutions for the year and place them on a posterboard, bulletin board, or straight to your wall.
Create A Community
Having a support group, or verbally communicating your goal can help you stay on track.
Need some ideas to help you brainstorm for your own resolutions? Here is a list of some great ones you can choose from.
Diet:
- Eat healthier - check in with yourself or keep a journal after every meal and see what your body responds well too and what it doesn’t. When you feel bloated or sick, eliminate those foods from your diet and see how you feel in a few weeks.
- Add more plant based foods in your diet - add a salad to your breakfast, or trade one meal a day to fully plant based.
- Eat seasonally – Choose foods that are grown in the season your are currently in. Try farmers markets or local farms for better choices on seasonal produce and meats.
- Eat more water based foods – foods such as watermelon, romaine lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, etc. are great ways to add a bit more hydration in your diet.
Fitness:
- Exercise more – choose activities that will get you moving; walk around the neighborhood instead of a Netflix show or Instagram scrolling. Make a date night a hike instead of a local bar.
- Schedule workouts – Write them in your calendar and stick to them! They are just as important as any important meeting.
- Pick up a sport – Pickleball is all the rage, but other activities can be fun to pick up such as curling, rollerblading, biking, or tennis.
Stress-Less:
- Prioritize hobbies and activities that bring you joy
- Practice gratitude, this is great for families at the dinner table too, it reminds them to be grateful for something every day
- Start a meditation practice
- Try and get 7-9 hours of sleep every night
- Allow yourself to say “no”
Finances:
- Pay off your debt – make a clear plan to pay them off
- Save more money for important things – House, car, trips, whatever is important to you
- Ask for that raise! You know you deserve it
- Create a budget and stick to it
