Identify Your Reasons
Your New Year’s resolutions should be achievements you want. Ask yourself if you’re making this resolution for yourself or someone else because if it’s the latter, it’s unlikely you will follow through. Don’t create certain resolutions just because others are making them. Be sure that your resolutions support your interests and aspirations, not others.
Be Specific
When creating your New Year’s resolutions, make sure to avoid having goals that are too vague. For instance, instead of writing “learn a new language,” try “practice speaking Korean for 15 minutes a day.” Or instead of “cook more often,” write “cook at least 5 meals a week.” Adding details to your resolutions that are measurable allows you to track your progress effectively.
Create a Plan
Create a list of goals or steps that work and progress towards your resolutions. Spread them out throughout the year instead of stacking them all in January to avoid burnout. Determine activities that waste your time and replace them with time to work on your resolutions. You can use a notebook or spreadsheet to track your progress. It also helps to form deadlines for them so that you have a means of holding yourself accountable. Additionally, creating a plan helps distinguish your resolutions that are realistic and achievable.
Get Involved
Put your resolutions into your daily schedule by joining organizations and clubs that have to do with them. If one of your resolutions involves being more physically active, try getting involved in school organizations concerning working out or playing sports. These groups and communities can provide you resources and serve as a means to continually maintain your goals. Since you’ll meet people who are working towards similar goals, they can help you stay driven and disciplined.
Celebrate and Forgive
It’s important to celebrate and acknowledge how far you have come in achieving your New Year’s resolutions. Treating yourself as you progress past checkpoints keeps your motivation up and can encourage you to continue working towards the end goal. Forgiving yourself when you fail to meet your goals is just as important. As you reflect on your progress each week and month, give yourself grace on failures and remind yourself that you can learn from the mistakes you’ve made.
