8 Ways to Stick to Your Goals

Now that it’s the first of January, New Year’s resolutions are in full gear, goals are in place and one word themes are established.  There is something so exciting about the clean slate that comes with starting a new year.  Staying focused on a goal or resolution is not easy though, as evidenced by the fact that so many people give up on their resolutions.

With that said, let’s discuss ways to keep resolutions or stick to our goals for the New Year.  Here are some tips collected from a gaggle of experts:

Ways to Stick to Your Goals

1. Write it down. Not just your resolution, also write down your reason for choosing this particular goal and the benefits that will come from succeeding.
2. Make sure the resolution is specific and meaningful to you.  Do not let anyone else dictate what you want.  Your success will not come from anyone else but you.
   
3. Once you have written down your goal and it’s meaning, say it all out loud.  Then say it out loud again – and every time you might need a reminder of why this is worth the effort.
   
4. Create a vision board of what your life will look like once you have accomplished your goal.  Let the law of attraction inspire you.
5. Recognize that there will be obstacles.  Know the obstacles you will face so you can be prepared to face them head on.  Keep in mind how rewarding it will be to get through those moments of weakness and stay on track.
   
6. Speaking of rewards, don’t forget to reward yourself for small victories along the journey towards reaching your long term goal and making your resolution a lifetime habit.
7. Start with a plan with specific steps towards reaching your goal.  Do not expect to turn a goal into a habit in just one day.  This mistake, the “cold turkey” theory, is precisely why most people abandon their resolutions early in the new year.
8. Utilize technology.  Perhaps you can use a program to assist in automating your goals.  Also, no matter what your resolution may be, there is very likely an app (or ten) for that.  There are goal tracking apps and resolution-specific apps that can be super helpful.
   

What are your goals or resolutions for the New Year – and what are you doing to make sure that you achieve them?

Here’s to a great new year!