It’s a cliché, but we all like to make resolutions, hoping that this will be the year.
The problem is: We never keep them.
So let’s change that!
Let’s tackle some of the most common resolutions and find ways to actually keep them.
We can probably all agree most people will want to
- Exercise more
- Lose weight
- Drink less (alcohol)
- Quit smoking
- Learn a new skill
- Eat more healthily
- And save money
But how?? Well, you can use the SMART approach.
Motivation coaches and life coaches will teach you the SMART goal technique which will help you set goals you can actually achieve.
- Specific (simple, sensible, significant)
- Measurable (meaningful, motivating)
- Achievable (agreed, attainable)
- Relevant (reasonable, realistic and resourced, results-based)
- Time bound (time-based, time limited, time/cost limited, timely, time-sensitive)
How to create SMART resolutions
Let's use some of the most common examples.
Set a specific target you can work towards and know when it is achieved.
Bad resolution: Lose weight
Good goal: Lose a stone by holiday in June (specific)
If it is weight, you can set intermediate goals and it is easily measured in pounds. But it works for others, too.
Bad resolution: Save money
Good resolution: Save £2,000 (that's £166 a month or £5 a day)
To help you with this, find a savings account which helps you keep track of your savings. Nationwide for example will show you how much you need to add into your savings account every day/month to reach your target.
Bad resolution: Eat more healthily
Good resolution: Make at least five healthy meals a day
You will have the odd takeaway, so don't tell yourself you will be eating a salad every day. Allow yourself for a cheat meal once in a while to make it more realistic and achievable.
You could also focus on fat or cholesterol, which you can then measure with a simple blood test.
Bad resolution: I am learning a new skill
Good resolution: I am going to learn how to cook to make my first Christmas dinner.
Find somewhere you can apply your new skill. You could also get fit enough to climb Snowdon.
A year is a long time to achieve all your resolutions. If there are some you can finish earlier, set your goal to earlier.
Bad resolution: I am learning Spanish
Good resolution: I will know enough Spanish by June when I go on holiday to Barcelona.
This is also where you could look at short term goals. You may not want to quit alcohol all together, but you could take part in Dry January, giving yourself a time restriction on your goal and making it more achievable.
Tips for sticking to your resolutions
- Don't do too many, pick just a few and stick to them
- Think about how you can make it happen? Can you quit smoking with a friend rather than alone?
- Stagger them! Don't do it all at once, you could start some in summer, once others are completed
- Make a physical list and keep it somewhere visible as a reminder
- Keep track: Have a tally system or other way of tracking your progress, it will keep you motivated