When a New Year’s Resolution is set there is more than a 50% likelihood that it will fail. But, if you set the right type of resolution for you with a plan to achieve it, you can reach your goal!
Now, how do you set the right resolution that is meaningful to you? Your resolution should only be created for changes you want to make not something someone else is telling you you need to change. When you are deciding your resolutions, try to be very specific so that you can create an achievable plan suited to reach that goal.
The SMART goal setting acronym still has it’s place and this is a great time to use it – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound.
1. Specific
Make sure you make clear concrete goals to achieve and set a timeframe to achieve it. For example, instead of setting the goal as “I want to run faster” you would get specific in what you actually want to achieve and set the goal as “I want to run 5km in 30 minutes”.
2. Measurable
It is important to track your progress in your goals as this can help you stay on track to achieving it. Some people find it helpful to start a journal to track each day or week of progress, others take pictures or videos so there is a more visual guide of your progress.
3. Achievable
The resolution you make needs to be something that is achievable for you. As you don’t want the resolution to take over your life or leave you disappointed if you weren’t able to achieve it. For example, if you are currently not exercising and have not been a runner in the past setting a goal to run 5km in 30 minutes may not be the resolution you should set or perhaps the timeframe to achieve the resolution should be longer. Setting a smaller more achievable goal will build your confidence to then set another goal that would be achievable.
4. Relevant
Are you setting this goal for the right reasons? Will achieving this goal serve you and bring you happiness and confidence?
Determining how your goal is relevant to you will solidify their importance and give you a higher chance of being successful in achieving it. For example, starting running because you saw someone else do it on social media may not be relevant to you or your life however starting running to improve your mental health and be able to run around with your kids may be the right reason to follow through.
5. Time-bound
Set a timeline to achieve your goal or even setting several smaller goals along the way to the main goal will hep you keep on track. Sometimes when a goal feels out of reach or it will take to long to get there you need to focus on the little wins you have achieved. This will really help push through and you may even achieve them faster than expected.
Setting your New Year’s resolution this year doesn’t have to end in disappointment. The ability to choose the right goal for you can make the difference between previous years failing and this year’s success! Learn to celebrate your progress at each stage and be kind to yourself during this process. Remember the reasons you set this goal and how it will benefit you for years to come.
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