Take a deep breath of that January air – Smells like a fresh start, doesn’t it? A new year, a clean slate, and a million goals to achieve… What could go wrong?
Unfortunately, it’s too easy for those newfound resolutions to fall to the wayside after the New Year high.
It’s understandable – I mean, you’ve got a million other things to do... you don’t have time to focus on your goals, right?
WRONG.
Don’t sell yourself short this year. Here are a few surprisingly easy ways to achieve your goals:
1. Keep your role models nearby.
Who inspires you? Whether it’s Sandra Bullock, Steve Jobs, or your mom, keep him or her close by. Call your mom a few times a week or pin a photo of Sandra Bullock on your bulletin board at work. Seeing or talking to them will help you remember why you’re doing what you’re doing. Remember,
inspiration gets things going, motivation keeps things going, and determination gets things done. (
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2. Rid yourself of the “I can’ts.”
Everyone has that little, negative voice in their head that whispers (sometimes screams), “I CAN’T!” Unfortunately, many people let this little voice control them. It’s time to ditch that thought, and come up with a new, positive twist to “I can’t.”
Christie Mims, founder of the Revolutionary Club, suggests recognizing that the thought isn’t serving you, and replacing it with a new thought that makes you feel empowered.
For example, if you wanted to start a business, but that annoying voice is saying, “I can’t do that – I don’t know anything about running a business. I would suck,” replace that thought with something like, “You know what? I might not know everything about running a business, but I’m pretty smart, I can figure this out.”
3. Couple your goals.
Want to lose weight but having trouble staying on track? Find another reason to eat healthier. My secondary reason for eating more veggies and less junk is my skin (eating better helps your complexion, who knew?!).What’s your secondary reason for eating better?
4. Think more, not less.
Trying to lose a few pounds? (Who isn’t!?) Find reasons to eat MORE good things, not just reasons to eat fewer bad things. Want to stop being such a tech zombie? Focus on spending MORE time outside or reading books, not just less time in front of a computer screen. Thinking about doing things as a reward rather than a punishment can really help you stick with your goals. Changing your perspective really helps!
5. Treat yourself once a day.
Whether it’s getting your nails done, indulging in a few M&Ms (the peanut kind, of course!), or just having a beer at the end of the day, make sure you treat yourself with something small each day. It’s the little things in life that make us happy – don’t skip out on them because you’re trying to save money or lose weight. Just don’t over indulge!
6. Write about it.
Start a blog, keep a diary, or keep a notebook of your goals and use it to track your progress. Make a point to write in it at least once a day. Writing about your goals on a regular basis will help keep you motivated to stay on track and show off all of your hard work!
7. Don’t feel guilty for taking ‘you time.’
It’s a busy world, and everyone seems to be going at a million miles per hour. Yes, you have obligations, but don’t use those obligations as an excuse to skip ‘you time.’ Taking time for yourself is important for your mental and physical health, so make sure to schedule a little ‘you time’ each day – whether that means 10 minutes to decompress in front of the TV or an hour of Pilates. By making time for yourself each day, you will be less likely to feel overwhelmed and more likely to stay on track with your goals.
8. Find a buddy.
What’s better than one person struggling? Two! Find a buddy who wants to achieve the same goal as you. Make a plan with them, motivate each other every day, and meet in-person at least once a week to make sure both of you are staying on track.
9. Whatever you do, do it well.
Walt Disney once said, “Whatever you do, do it well.” Keep these words in mind at all times. Find something you want to be known for – whether it’s working on a project for work, dressing to impress, or keeping a clean house - and do it well! People will remember you for it.
So, what are you waiting for? Get off your butt and make those resolutions a reality!
How do you stay motivated? We’d love to hear from you! Tell us your tricks in the comment section below!
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