Keeping Your New Year Resolutions
Now is the time of year that we decide to change our ways and set goals and resolutions to become a better "us". After the first week of trying on the new us, how do we stay motivated and keep going with the goals that we have set for ourselves? Really, it begins before we start that first day. It starts with deciding what our goals are, making a plan on how we are going to actually achieve them, and then following through with them.
Make A Plan
Without a plan, the chances of success are pretty slim. It's like the old adage: "If one fails to plan, they plan to fail." Whoever spoke those words of wisdom was spot on. The plan must first consist of what our goals are. Deciding our goals isn't exactly easy. We must choose a goal that will push us to our limit and yet at the same time be realistic for us to achieve.
It really does a career couch potato no good to plan in January to win an Iron Man competition by May. Not only will family and friends laugh at them, they are setting a truly unrealistic goal for themselves that will more than likely end in failure, frustration, and frankly, embarrassment.
No, the better approach for the seasoned love-seat wrangler would be to plan on maybe walking or jogging a 5k (3.1 miles) or even a 10k (6.2 miles). That would depend on their overall physical health and condition. This would still an accomplishment and yet it's realistic and leaves room for improvement down the road.
Accountability
Involving some level of accountability is crucial for success when working to achieve goals. It is important that there be real accountability and not a token cheerleader. Without someone there to push you and someone for you to report to, the day will come when you feel no motivation and no desire to work on and follow the chosen plan.
It isn't by accident that all professional athletes have at least one coach they are required to answer to. It doesn't matter how disciplined or motivated they happen to be. Everyone needs accountability to succeed at whatever they are doing, at whatever level of competition they compete, even if they are only competing with themselves.
Reward Yourself
Motivation can come in many forms. Probably the least popular form is using fear as a motivator, while on the other hand reward is more popular. Rewarding oneself would be most recommended. It might be a good idea to include family or friends in on the reward. They would be more likely to encourage and push you to achieve your goals. Anything in life we attempt is always, always easier when we have a strong support system around us, people who care about us and our happiness.
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