Who else is ready for 2021?! You say you want to make changes come January, but then what? By mid-February your resolve to stick with that new diet or workout regimen is gone. Here are six ways to make healthy resolutions that stick in 2021:
1) Use whatever word works for you. I prefer to set “goals” or create “visions” instead of creating “resolutions.” For me, having a goal or a vision is more activating than having a resolution. Figure out what word motivates you to make something happen, rather than just dream about it.
2) Make the goals measurable. Avoid the tendency to set vague intentions. Use numbers, use a time limit if you want, just make sure your goal can be easily quantified.
3) Find someone to hold you accountable, and don’t pick that friend or cousin who will let you off the hook. It’s much easier to fall off the bandwagon if you have a goal that no one else knows about. Having someone hold you accountable is key to pushing through when you want to give up. Why? We generally don’t want to lose face in front of others!
4) Have a strategic plan. Write down in detail what you need to do daily and weekly to see your goal through, and be willing to seek the advice of someone more seasoned in whatever area you are trying to change if you need pointers to save you time and money. Just be sure to remain flexible.
5) Write it down and visualize it. There is magic in writing stuff down – it starts the process of creation. By just holding the intention for your goal, you might find that you run into the right people or situations that will point you to your final destination. However, that can only happen when you have a clear, written objective. Besides writing it down – consider making a vision board and post it somewhere you can see it daily.
6) Track your progress. Our brain needs rewards especially for habits that may have long term benefits but may be annoying to do in the immediate. Tracking is one way to trigger the reward center of the brain. Depending on what you want to track, there are tons of apps, devices, and of course the good ol’ fashioned pen/paper method. Find what works for you and have fun! -XO