It's that time again! New Year's resolutions are almost a running joke, if they're not already. Lose weight. Quit smoking. Find love. Recycle. Take a vacation. New year, New you! Do you ever feel like making a resolution is like setting yourself up for failure? If you really want to do something -- or stop doing something -- you don't have to let your goal become a cliché. Here are six easy tips on how you can be a winner with your New Year's resolutions:
1. Why
What is the true reason you resolved to stop drinking alcohol or join a gym, and are you fully subscribed to your cause? Sometimes there is an obvious reason, but I encourage you to dig deeper to find why you personally need to accomplish your specific goal.
2. Cleanse
New Year's is all about "out with the old and in with the new." Let this be your mantra through the process. Throw out the old habits that don't serve you, and embrace and create new habits that move you forward to become healthier, happier and more fulfilled.
3. Plan
A failure to plan is planning to fail! Pretty much true in this case. You can almost expect to come across hurdles and contemplate quitting. That's why New Year's resolutions have the reputation they have. Make a plan to get to your goal, but also plan ahead for when the going gets rough. Come up with mantras, a list of friends you can call for support, revisit your reason why, create a vision board, etc so you're prepared for battle during those moments of perceived defeat.
4. Support System
Find a support system for accountability! Buddy up with a friend, join a group, download an app or share the process on your social media. Whatever works for you so you know that people are expecting you to stay on track and cheering you on. Coach.me is a great accountability app where you can join a group or get one-on-one coaching. Daily Goals is an automated app when you want to keep track of your habits.
5. Commitment
As a life coach, I require my clients to write a commitment letter to themselves if they make a New Year's resolution. The letter includes specifically what they resolve to do, why this change is important to them, what they need to do to achieve it, how they plan on dealing with potential roadblocks, and a realistic timeframe for results. The letter is golden on their toughest days.
6. Envision
I hate to say fake it 'til you make it, but... Fake it 'til you make it! Don't put your energy in the struggle, put it toward the end result. Envision your new productive habits as if they already are a part of you, and own them.
Whatever your resolution may be, remember to have patience, forgive yourself if you mess up, embrace the process, and keep your eye on the prize. Take the small steps that are necessary in creating significant transformation.