The top 5 ways to keep those New Year resolutions

12 Jan The top 5 ways to keep those New Year resolutions

As we start the New Year, out come those New Year resolutions. You know the ones, lose weight, stop smoking, start exercising, drink less or save more money. We always start with the best intentions but the challenge is actually keeping those promises for the year ahead.

So if you have set yourself goals for the next 12 months, how can you actually stick to them? Well here are my top 5 tips on how to stay on track for the rest of 2020.

1. Set smaller goals

Instead of one or two big goals to do for the year, why not set smaller monthly goals? There is a much better chance you will achieve them as breaking it down, makes it more manageable and not so daunting. Once you achieve one goal, this will inspire you to keep going and achieve the next one.

2. Measure your progress

You want to know how well you are doing so make sure you keep track of your progress. Whatever goal you set, ensure you can actually measure it (such as losing 5 kilos or dropping 2 dress sizes). Don’t forget to write down everything so you can see where you started and how far you have come.

3. Get others on board

This is really important – by getting friends and family to help and support you, you will have a much bigger chance of smashing your goals.

You don’t want to be with people who are going to sabotage your goals. For example, if you are looking to drink less, the last thing you want is for your friends to pressure you to stay out boozing. Ensure you have a support network who will encourage you to stay on track and have your best interests at heart.

4. If you do fall off the wagon, don’t worry

It happens to the best of us so don’t beat yourself up. Learn from it – identify what caused you to come off the rails so it doesn’t happen again. Then try again – the worst thing you can do is to give up and never try again! Like the old saying goes, if at first your don’t succeed, try, try again.

5. Reward yourself

When you do achieve your goal, make sure you celebrate. A reward also helps you to keep going and set you up in a strong position to reach the next one. A good tip is to keep the reward in line with your achievement – for example, treating yourself to some new hiking kit, running trainers or a massage. Again this will give you a greater incentive to keep going for the rest of the year.