You want to be on time. You want to eat better. You swear you’ll exercise. That’s what you said at the end of 2016, too.
It’s two weeks into 2018 and have you really taken steps to really, truly tackle your resolutions? Well, it’s not Jan. 1, but you can resolve to change a habit at any time.
When plotting goals, the more targeted the better, says Alok Trivedi, author of “Chasing Success: Lessons in Aligned Performance” and founder of Chicago-based Aligned Performance Institute.
1. Think of things that can be measured. Make a plan to check in every quarter. He’s not too into people making resolutions.
“They set up fantasies, and they don’t set up real strategies,” he said. To fix that fantasy problem, ask yourself what’s important to you.
See where you spend your time and energy. That’s what you care about.
2. Lose the shame. One of the first things to do, said St. George, Utah-based Dr. Bradley Nelson, who works with people on topics like depression and unresolved anger, is to check on yourself emotionally. Often, people fail at goals because of self-sabotage.
Ask yourself, “What needs to be released in order for me to accomplish this goal?” or, “Do I deserve to achieve my goal?” Nelson, who penned “The Emotion Code,” said we can be too hard on ourselves when we don’t achieve goals, so “set goals that stretch you, but not so far you might snap,” he said. Find and release emotional baggage.
3. Set realistic and specific goals. If you set an unrealistic expectation, the minute that you fail, you may give up. Put a number with the goal.
Make your resolutions specific and measurable: “I will take a walk that lasts at least 20 minutes two days each week” instead of “I will exercise more.”
4. Bring in friends. People who love you, and encourage them to bug you and check your progress. Ask people who respect you and aren’t judgmental or prone to gossip. If you have misgivings, don’t ask that person.
Dr. Indra Cidambi, who works with recovering addicts as founder of Middlesex, NJ.-based Center for Network Therapy, said she tells clients that sharing goals and progress increases a chance of success. It helps to increase support. “This definitely takes courage,” she said.
5. Accept imperfection. Jaime Brenkus helps people lose weight and become fit, but he’s not saying to never indulge. “Knowing that you can have a piece of decadent cake and still see results is empowering and sets you up for long-term success,” said the Cleveland fitness expert. Even if things don’t pan out as planned, “you say that’s a great learning experience.”
