5 Tips in Staying Committed To Your New Year’s Resolutions and 2021 Goals
February 22, 2021
Congratulations! We’ve entered the second month of 2021, and while things may be settling down, don’t let them settle too much. Remember that 2021 resolution you made? Do you still feel committed? No one said it would be easy, but staying committed is only the “tip of the iceberg.” Sure, we all think that one resolution isn’t the ‘be all – end all’; yet, when you do stay committed to your goal and do accomplish this one resolution, think of all of the good habits you’ve created in achieving this goal.
Have you forgotten about your resolution? Maybe you made your resolution on January 1, but you’re lapsing in February? That’s ok! Remember, it’s only the second month of 2021, and there is still a lot of time left. Unfortunately, the longer you procrastinate could potentially lead you to become unmotivated and, ultimately, dissolving your resolution.
Yes, of course, you’ve heard all of these tips and tricks in goal setting and starting resolutions before, but it never hurts to be reminded. Who knows, perhaps this time hearing these helpful tips might be what triggers that motivational spark?
It’s not complicated, but it does take commitment. Whether you’ve set a personal or professional goal, the following tips are suggestions to keep you focused and motivated.
1. Set a clear positive goal; be precise, and keep it simple
Be realistic and honest with yourself. Is your goal attainable? Keep your plan positive and do your best not to make it complicated. State your resolution in favorable terms. Using positive terminology enables positive emotions and allows for better self-control through your resolution journey.
Does your resolution align with your personal (or company) values? Why does this resolution matter to you (your workplace)? Do your best to eliminate the “grey area.” Keep your goal attainable and straightforward. Is it a professional or a personal goal? Whichever you choose, make sure you (and your team) have a clear vision of what your success will look like!
Consider this example: Making a complicated food order at a restaurant leads to added opportunities for error or confusion with the order. The result? A disappointed consumer, that’s you, and a confused and embarrassed waitstaff. Keeping a simple resolution aligned with your values (or your business team’s values) will help to eliminate the extra ‘fluff’ and hopefully avoid “shades of gray” and confusion along the way.
2. Commit. Take the first step. Save the date!
Are you having trouble finding the right time to start? Maybe a lot is going on in your life right now, or your business is a bit chaotic at the moment, and the thought of trying to start a new habit is more of a stressful event than a positive change. However, instead of continuing to push off your goal, identify a start state and write it down. Look at your calendar and find a date that you can commit to, and lock it in. “Save the date!” Your 2021 resolution is the beginning of a positive change, and it’s a big deal! Countdown the days until you start your goal, or have a kick-off celebration for your new journey! However, you choose to start, remember, once you start, the hardest part is sticking to it. But don’t worry because you’re committed, and you’ve got this!
3. Self regulate; Addressing impulses and overcoming them
Exercise will power and regulate your impulses! Are you spending too much time on social media? Maybe your resolution is to ‘cut back’ your screen time and limit the time you spend on social media. Self-regulating for any goal or resolution plays a critical role in your success. By allowing ourselves to regulate our impulses or emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, we’re paying attention to those triggers when they happen and finding alternative ways to overcome them.
Rearrange your environment to encourage your success. If your surroundings are preventing you from achieving your goal, change them! You may not be able to change everything, but you can certainly try your best to eliminate temptations. In rearranging your surroundings, you are taking charge of the direction of your success. Let’s increase your opportunities for success!
4. Anticipate setbacks
Stay positive and expect the setbacks; they will make you (and your team) more robust. In planning your resolution journey, take some time to write down potential hurdles or complications you may encounter. Identifying setbacks and anticipating special situations will allow you (and your team) to establish a plan of attack or possible solutions to avert if they do come up. Of course, you may not be able to predict or avoid all of these setbacks, but certainly, allow yourself (and your team) to be proactive.
5. Be patient; give yourself time, and celebrate milestones
Change isn’t going to happen overnight. You already knew that going into this, but it does help to hear it again. If your resolution is to break yourself or your team from a bad habit, that change will take time. Think of it this way: Every day you stick to your resolution is another “root” you’ve grown into establishing your good habit. Habits are hard to break, and they’re hard to create; both take time. Reminding yourself and your team of your progress and celebrating milestones is a great way to stay motivated and appreciate your goal’s journey.
Don’t get too surprised if you start to notice your resolution’s journey affecting other areas of your life. While we encourage you to start small, resolutions are extremely powerful. The behaviors and the process that we go through to achieve our goals are monumental, and the effects of our success are long-lasting. Reaching a resolution or goal is a big deal and should always be celebrated. Take time to rejoice in your victory! You’ve earned it!
