Happy New Year! I hope you are all off to a fantastic start to 2018! I am sure most of you have a list of goals you want to achieve this year, right? A few weeks ago I wrote a blog post on goal setting. If you missed it, or maybe you have not been able to fine tune those new year’s resolutions yet, make sure to check it out!
Today I wanted to share with you some tips for:
Making Your Goals Stick in 2018
If you are already working hard on those goals for this year, then please keep reading for my 14 quick tips for making your goals stick in ’18!
#1 Dates and Deadlines. When setting goals this year, be very specific. Rather than saying, “I want to lose weight this year.” Try “I want to lose 20 pounds by April 1st.”
#2 Use a Timer. It is amazing how many tasks you can accomplish in small segments of uninterrupted time! So much, that I dedicated an entire post to Time Management with more details and other great tips specific to getting more done!
#3 Accountability Partner. Having someone with you on the same journey can be motivating and competitive! Enlist a friend or family member to hold each other accountable!
#4 Visualize. Whether your want to achieve a certain look physically, bigger bank account, or more free time to vacation, consider creating a vision board to display pictures of where you want to be by the end of the year. The constant reminder is great motivation!
#5 Exercise. I know this may sound silly if your goal is not fitness related, BUT studies have shown that people who keep a regular exercise regimen get more accomplished!
#6 Keep a Journal. Writing down your goals with a specific plan will help you stay the coarse. Keeping track of progress weekly or daily will ensure results. My favorite journal for knocking out goals is Chalene Johnson’s “Smart Life Push Journal”
#7 Get Uncomfortable. You will not achieve anything doing the same old thing. Step out of your comfort zone and try something new if you want to be achieve your goals.
#8 Create a habit. Let’s face it, packing a healthy lunch twice a week is not going to make you lose weight. Creating a habit, like making sure to pack a healthy lunch EVERYDAY, will likely make a bigger impact on reaching your goal.
#9 Take one goal at a time. So often I talk to people that have 8 or 10 goals they want to achieve, and while I admire the drive and determination, I try to teach them to be realistic. I recommend a max of 3 goals, and then I still only recommend you push for one at a time.
#10 Set up benchmarks. If your goal is financial, let’s say you want to earn an extra $20,000 this year. Break it up into benchmarks. Strive to reach the first $5,000, and then move on to the next. It will make a large goal seem more achievable in smaller segments.
#11 Reward your achievements. When you reach each benchmark, reward yourself. If we are using the above example, every time you hit that $5,000 goal, take $100 and take the family out to dinner, or go on a mini-shopping-spree.
#12 Stay focused. Keep in mind the WHY in your resolution. Are you trying to lose weight to get healthy and live longer? Stay focused on that, instead of obsessing about the scale.
#13 Be patient. Good things come to those who are dedicated, determined, and desire to achieve greatness over all else. Don’t give up!
#14 Have fun. All work and no play is not much fun, right? If you are dieting, plan a couple cheat days throughout the month to enjoy some ice cream. If you are working hard to make more money this year, make sure to take time off to enjoy some R&R with family and friends!
I hope you find these tips helpful as you work through those New Year’s Resolutions! If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to enter them right below this post. If you liked these tips, please share them with your friends!