As the year draws to a close and we set our sights on the start of 2019, some of us could be thinking of making a list of New Year’s resolutions.
While we might be keen to lose weight, get fitter, save more money or achieve greater success at work, it’s important not to make promises we can’t keep.
Lofty resolutions are notoriously hard to stick to and research shows only 10% of us actually manage to achieve them!
Instead, let’s focus on small, meaningful changes that will help us create good habits for the entire year.
Be resilient
Success wouldn’t be as meaningful if it just landed in our laps. It is grit, struggle and determination that make it worth it.
Building resilience comes with practise. Don’t be afraid of tough choices –whether it be getting up that little bit earlier, making nutritious food choices, saying no or stepping outside your comfort zone.
Be your best
Even the most successful people aren’t achieving goals all the time.
The recurring theme is they’re invested in good daily habits that move them closer to their goals.
Each day, ask yourself what you can do to be your best self.
Why is this your goal?
It’s essential to understand why we are striving for certain goals and it has to be something that excites us.
Motivation can ebb and flow as there is often a pull between the safety and comfort of what we know, and our desire for growth and change.
When we attach meaning to our goals, though, we are much more likely to achieve them.
The power of positivity
Describe your goals in a way that makes it easier to track your progress and inspires you to take action in a positive manner.
Rather than thinking, “I want to get fit,” make it more specific – “I want to be fit enough to run 10km and have more energy to enjoy life.”
Surround yourself with people who will hold you accountable
There are no shortcuts to a place worth going.
Surround yourself with people who believe in you and will help you reach your target.
Achieving goals, dealing with setbacks and making changes can be hard, but never underestimate the power of the people supporting you. And if you feel like someone might be holding you back, it’s a good chance to re-evaluate who you want on your team.
