My Facebook feed is bombarded with everyone talking about how they are working toward their New Year’s Resolutions. Some are trying to lose weight and get healthy, others are reading more, some have decided to help others, and one friend is planning to travel the world. I, however, feel like I’m in a bit of a resolution rut. I want to set a good example for my children when it comes to goals but it’s not exactly my strong suit. Last year I decided that I would take more time for painting, but I can’t remember the last time my brush touched a canvas. The year before that I was determined to spend more time outdoors on the weekends, but I spent more time with Netflix instead. The year before that I was going to develop a house cleaning schedule so that everyone would pitch in on chores, but I still just did it all myself.
So, I have spent the beginning of this year trying to avoid making a resolution at all because I just don’t want to fail again. Then one morning, after my second cup of coffee when I began to feel human again, I decided to ask some of my friends who seemed to be achieving their resolutions, how they were able to stick with it and here is what they said:
- When deciding on a goal, make sure it is realistic. If your goal is to remodel your home in a year but you don’t have the funds to do so, then your setting yourself up to fail.
- Make sure it is meaningful. If your goal is something that isn’t meaningful to you than it will be very difficult to keep the motivation to make it happen.
- Once a realistic and meaningful goal has been set WRITE IT DOWN, this one was stressed to me several times. One person suggested to keep that goal in a place where you will see it every day, like a bathroom mirror.
- Have a plan, a concrete plan, with a timeline and supplies and help needed. Your plan should consist of several short-term goals in order to reach your long-term goal.
- Be accountable to someone. Tell someone about your goals and ask them to help keep you accountable. If they see you start to slip, they can remind you of your goals and why you’re doing them.
- Reward yourself along the way. Giving yourself rewards as you reach your short-term goals will help keep you motivated to push on.
- Evaluate and be flexible. If things are going slower than expected or if you find yourself not meeting your short-term goals, think about why that is happening and change your goals as needed.
- Never give up and don’t beat yourself up. Even if your goals take longer to reach than expected, don’t give up on them. You set this resolution for a reason. No path worth taking is ever easy. Remember when things don’t go as planned refer back to #7.
This year I think I will get the whole family together to work on these steps to be successful with our New Year’s resolutions this year. Better late than never, right?
Jen Bernardi, Prevention Coordinator, Drug Free Charlotte County