New Year’s Resolutions are awesome when you stick to them. We’re currently in the second week of 2017 and some have already tossed their resolutions to the side, while others are going strong and staying committed to their goals. We know that the word “resolution” is often frowned upon when it comes to setting New Year’s goals, but perhaps this year’s resolutions can turn into a lifestyle change. Making that small first step towards achieving your 2017 resolutions or aspirations, may change your life when you see them through!
If you’re the type of person who sets goals for yourself and lose sight at some point throughout the year, here are a few tips you can use to make it through 2017 having done most if not all of the things you said you would do.
Get an accountability partner
When you surround yourself with like-minded individuals who are working to achieve the same things you are, achieving your goals becomes that much easier. You know the saying, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” A reliable accountability partner can be someone who you speak with every morning, or someone you check in with every month. It feels great to have an accountability partner cheering for you, and you for them while working towards a common objective.
Create a routine or system you can stick with
If you don’t already have one, creating a morning routine can be a great start to form consistent patterns that will ultimately help with your goals. Having the discipline to follow a daily routine can permeate throughout all areas of your life.
Whether your resolutions are to get in shape, read more, start a successful business, or contribute to your community, having a system in place to achieve your resolutions will make them 10 times more achievable. Here are some free action plan templates that you can use to map out your next steps.
Celebrate each win
Each and every time you complete a step towards achieving your goals, celebrate! No matter if the win is big or small, when you celebrate you motivate yourself to keep going so that there will be more to celebrate. If you push through and complete that last set at the gym,celebrate! If you hit send on a potential client email, celebrate! If you finally get around to bringing items to goodwill that you kept putting off, celebrate! Small celebrations lead to big celebrations, and when the big achievements come, go ALL OUT.
Ask for feedback
Seek others that have accomplished the resolutions that you are working to achieve this year and ask them for feedback on your progress. Knowing that someone else is watching you, encouraging you to improve, makes you work harder than if you go at it alone. Having an expert that can provide constructive feedback can help you reach your goals in a more efficient way. The time saved from having expert feedback minimizes your learning curve and can even help you achieve your goals quicker.
Volunteer with a non-profit or community cause
When you give back, great things come back to you. Finding a cause within your community that you’re passionate about can give your 2017 more meaning through the gift of philanthropy. It feels so good to know that your contribution made a difference in someone’s life and even has the ability to trickle down, leaving an impact for many years to come. Epitome of Soul, Inc. is a non-profit organization developing leaders through the arts in urban communities. To learn more about how you can join their cause, visit here.
Do it for YOU
If you start now on working towards your long-term aspirations your future self will thank you. You are the only person who has to live with the decisions you make today, now and forever. Make choices and take actions that you will be proud of!
Here’s to you crushing your goals this year!