When it comes to making New Year's resolutions, it's easy to identify things you want to improve on. However, when it comes down to it, not many of us actually achieve our goals. Why is that? Find out what you can do to make New Year's resolutions and goals that you keep this year. Also, learn how it can help you to create a calendar with your goals posted in it.
How Long Does it Take to Make a Habit?
There's no prescription for making a habit an exact number of days that will ensure you have made a behavior a habit. Some research shows that it takes about a month, while other research leans toward two months or more. It's most likely that each behavior requires a different amount of time to become a habit.
Are My Goals Realistic?
This is not a paragraph about why you are going to fail. Even very difficult goals are achievable if you provide yourself with the tools you need to succeed. In most cases, the only reason you don't achieve a goal is that you're not willing to put the effort into it that you need to in order to succeed. In some cases, of course, what is required is more than you can provide. This doesn't mean you should give up on your goals. However, you may want to consider breaking your goals down into achievable pieces. Just make sure that you still challenge yourself.
Are My Goals Measurable?
Can you measure the results of your resolutions? If not, consider altering how you define your goal. Instead of saying you want to get in shape, determine how many pounds you want to lose or when you want to be able to touch your toes and do 50 jumping jacks just maybe not at the same time.
Is it a Temporary Change or a Lifestyle Change?
Both temporary goals and lifestyle goals are important and have their place. If you want to make a lifestyle change, it's important to think of making a sustainable goal. This means that it's something you can keep doing for the rest of your life. For instance, if you want to lose weight and stay in shape, be sure to plan how you are going to eat healthy AND how you are going to feel fulfilled with a new diet. You don't want to go on wishing for a soda or a bag of chips for the rest of your life. Set limits you can be happy with not limits you just SAY you'll be happy with.
Is it Worth it to Me?
Most of us stumble over this aspect of resolution and goal making. You may want to learn another language, but not enough to sacrifice your time. If you really want to succeed at a goal, you need to schedule time to work on it. Look at your schedule and decide when you're going to listen to language tapes, write those new vocabulary terms on your mirror with a dry-erase marker or practice conjugating verbs. Create a calendar that has your goals broken up into a list of action items that you can work on monthly, weekly and maybe even daily.
Remember It
Finally, if you don't remember your goals, you won't achieve them. Yeah, that's pretty obvious. However, it's also the truth. How many goals have you made with good intentions but then forgotten about? Instead of repeating this cycle, post your goals where you'll see them. Maybe even move your written goals around occasionally so you continue to notice the reminders. Additionally, if you break down your goal into smaller pieces, you can create calendar reminders for each of these tasks to help you keep on course.
Summary
When you put your efforts toward realistic, measurable goals, you'll be sure to succeed. Although some goals are much harder to succeed at than others, they also typically have a higher return rate of satisfaction. Don't give up on your dreams. If you plan well and put in the required effort, you'll be one of the few who completes New Year's resolutions.
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