Only 25 percent of people stick to their New Year’s resolution just one month after December 31. It’s even more shocking to find out that only eight percent accomplish what they have set their mind on.
The beginning of yet another year provides wonderful opportunities for a fresh start. Whether you want to get rid of a bad habit or start a business, this seems to be the best time to pursue the goal. Unfortunately, the motivation quickly wears thin and the resolution is forgotten in a couple of months.
If you want to make 2020 different in terms of accomplishments, you’ll have to do a couple of things differently. Here are the best strategies for finding the motivation and the strength to go through with your New Year’s resolution.
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Set Achievable Goals
Most people will fail because they tend to go really big in their self-promises for the coming year.
Smoking two packs of cigarettes per day and quitting cold turkey isn’t possible for everyone. This is why you need to set a more realistic goal that you know you can achieve. Cutting down gradually may be a more viable strategy for the elimination of the harmful habit.
Think of your resolution as a series of milestones that have to be achieved over the course of a specific time period. If you break a large goal down and celebrate every small success, chances are that you’ll feel much more eager to keep going.
Examine Your Reason for Wanting the Change
Why exactly do you want to accomplish that specific thing?
Your inner motivation is probably the most important success factor. If you’re doing something for the wrong reasons and you’re not convinced it’s the right choice for you, chances are that you’ll quit sooner than later.
Unhealthy behaviors like eating junk food provide immediate gratification. Your New Year’s resolution will eventually pay in time. Can you see why it’s going to be impossible to achieve if you’re not convinced and fully on board with the idea?
When you know why you’re doing something, you will also discover a healthy replacement that gives you some gratification minus the negative consequences. For that purpose, however, you should be inspired to experiment and explore.
Have a Support Network
Have you heard about the power of the pack phenomenon? There’s strength in numbers, which is why a good support network enables you to achieve.
There have been numerous studies exploring the topic through the years.
Researchers have found out that those who work out with friends tend to exercise harder. People who are surrounded by a big number of smokers in their social circle find it more difficult to quit.
To find success, you need to surround yourself with similar-minded individuals. Alternatively, tell family and loved ones what you’re trying to accomplish. Chances are that they’ll join in and turn your resolution in a larger mission.
It’s easy to see how a support network enables you to stick with your resolution.
Imagine cooking healthy food for yourself while the rest of the family gorges on burgers. Chances are that you’ll soon lose the desire to keep on going. If all of you embrace the change together, however, you’ll act as a positive force and you’ll keep each other on track.
Don’t Beat Yourself Up
Anyone could slip and fall while pursuing success.
A few setbacks shouldn’t make you give up on your resolution.
Whether you’re trying to succeed in personal or professional terms, you’ll probably have some roadblocks. Beating yourself up for every little failure will quickly make the process tedious and undesirable.
Instead, pat yourself on the back and keep the end goal in mind. It’s ok to stumble if you know what you’re trying to accomplish and you’re still convinced that you’re going to get there.
Every mistake is a learning opportunity.
Falling off the wagon will potentially show you a part of your strategy that’s ineffective and difficult to go through with. This information can be put to good use, helping you modify your approach in order to make the New Year’s resolution a complete success.
Focus on One Thing at a Time
What does your mental process look like on New Year’s Eve?
Do you tell yourself that you’ll start eating healthier, you’ll launch the blog you’ve been thinking about over the past four years, you’ll go to bed earlier and exercise more?
Just the idea of all these things is overwhelming. Imagine what the execution is going to be!
Multi-tasking is never good because it makes you lose focus and it makes you feel way too burdened with everything you’re attempting to achieve at once.
Instead, stick to your number one goal. Focus on that one thing and do it right. After you accomplish that specific resolution, you can move on to the next item on the list of positive life changes.
Make It Fun
Becoming healthier, more responsible and safe-sufficient doesn’t have to be cumbersome.
Boring, tedious and demanding changes in life get people out of their comfort zone. Gratification is delayed and only the hard work remains.
Thus, if you want to stick with your resolution, you have to find a way to make it fun.
Do you want to give up sugar in 2020? Find a good replacement that’s sweet, delicious and healthier. Stevia and xylitol are two good choices that will still give you that sweet sensation minus the calories. Also, don’t forget it’s ok to have a candy or a bar of chocolate every once in a while.
An achievable New Year’s resolution can change your life for the better. It’s time to start thinking about what you want to accomplish in 2020, if you haven’t already. Be real, be positive about the upcoming change and know your strengths. Choosing something you can excel in can get you motivated to pursue even more challenging goals in the future. Make 2020 count!
