Rethinking New Year ' s Resolutions :
Breaking through by breaking down goals by Mike Sanchez
Now that the New Year has begun , many of us might be reflecting on the resolutions we set or didn ' t set as the clock struck midnight on December 31st . It ' s a common scenario : starting the year with high hopes and ambitious goals , only to find them fading away as the weeks pass . But fear not ! The journey of self-improvement doesn ' t hinge solely on a New Year ' s resolution . Let ' s explore how to approach personal growth effectively . By breaking it all down , you may realize that instead of giving up on your goals , you may just need to revise them a bit . Then , with a little clarity and focus , you ’ ll begin to realize that you have created an environment where you will not only achieve your goals , but you will crush them .
Understanding the Challenge of Resolutions
The concept of New Year ' s resolutions is appealing ; they represent a fresh start and a new chapter . However , the pressure of a new year can sometimes lead to hastily set goals that are unrealistic or not fully thought out . This can lead to frustration and a sense of failure early in the year . A few key points to consider when making goals in general , and specifically at the beginning of the new year can be summed up by remembering to reflect , modify , and embrace .
Effective Goal Setting Post-New Year
1 . Reflect on What ' s Realistic : Now that you ' re in the year , take a moment to realistically assess your current situation and what ' s achievable . Also consider things like the season — it is winter after all . So maybe the goal of running a mile every morning in chilly to freezing weather isn ’ t the best place to start .
2 . Modify and Adapt : If you ’ ve already set resolutions , it ’ s not too late to adjust them . Make sure they are specific , measurable , and attainable . The more specific our goals are the more likely we will attain them . If we can measure our progress along the way , we will create small successes and motivation to keep going .
20
3 . Embrace the Journey , Not Just the Destination : Remember that personal improvement is ongoing . It ' s more about the journey than the destination . Goals should be thought of as road maps . Some maps lead you on pleasant journeys while others lead you on epic ones . Your determination , focus , and drive are built by every journey you take . By embracing the journey , you may find that your original destination is just a stop along the way to one you hadn ’ t previously considered .
Keeping Goals Alive Throughout the Year
Healthy and lasting self-improvement is rarely jump started by making big , audacious New Year ’ s resolutions . In fact , each year nearly 90 % of all resolutions are abandoned by early spring . Whether your goal is to lose weight , get into shape , save money , or get out of debt , setting a goal that is achievable and one you can stick to throughout the year is made easier by applying the following practices . Master these and you are now a goal-reaching superstar :
1 . Break It Down : Divide your goals into smaller , manageable tasks . This makes them less daunting and easier to track . So , you want to lose those 30 pounds ? Create a plan that measures 3-5 pounds of weight loss over a given period . Your plan should include the action steps you need to take to reach your smaller goals . Will you go to a gym three days per week ? Will you cut out or reduce your carbohydrate intake by a measurable amount ? Will you take the stairs instead of the elevator ? All these are measurable , smaller goals that will help you achieve your bigger goal over time .
2 . Celebrate Progress : Acknowledge and celebrate small victories . This helps maintain motivation and commitment to your goals . As stated earlier , it is important to embrace the journey . Part of that is celebrating every milestone . Take the wins as they come . Feel proud and gain the confidence that meeting your goals brings . This helps to strengthen your drive to keep going .
WINTER 2024 gmhTODAY Magazine : Go . Make history ... gmhtoday . com