If you’re ready for 2015 to be the year you break through to a new you, you’ve probably already made a New Year’s resolution. Get ready to rock that resolution, and make 2015 your year in four easy steps:
1. Identify Your ‘Why’
Say, for argument’s sake, your resolution is ‘lose weight.’ Why is that your goal? If it’s ‘just because’ or ‘I don’t know’ then your odds of success are slim to none.
Compare that with a goal of ‘lose weight so I can enjoy playing with my kids at the playground.’ It’s plain to see which ‘why’ will get you out of bed and to the gym in the morning!
2. Put a Positive Spin on It
So, you’ve resolved to ‘not eat junk food’ in the new year. Huzzah! Except your subconscious doesn’t take negatives into account, so now your subconscious goal sounds more like ‘eat junk food.’ Uh-oh!
Solve this by phrasing your goals with what you want to happen, rather than what you want to avoid. You can resolve to ‘eat whole foods’ instead of ‘skip junk food’ or ‘exercise more’ instead of ‘don’t be a couch potato.’
3. Make it Clear and Achievable
How will you know if you’ve met your goal if you don’t know what it is? You’ve got your ‘why’ and you’ve decided to ‘get in better shape.’ Now, take it one step further and make it a clear goal with measurable results.
What does ‘getting in better shape’ mean to you? Shedding 10kgs? Getting six-pack abs? Being able to run eight kms nonstop? Powerlifting a small car?
Once you’ve set your big goal, break it into achievable mini goals. This way, it’s easier to tackle those seemingly insurmountable big goals. Plus, you’ll begin to develop the habits that will create long-term success.
4. Have a Plan
How are you going to go about reaching your resolution? By hitting those mini goals! And how will you do that? With a plan.
Schedule yourself for the activities that will help you reach your goal: Maybe it’s meal-prep Sundays, blocking out 30 minutes for workouts, or getting up earlier to eat a healthy breakfast and make your lunch. Identify those activities, schedule them and make them a priority. Why? Because you’ve got a goal and you’ve got a reason for it. If it’s a good enough reason, you’ll make the time!
And remember, life happens. Don’t let one setback ruin your year. You aren’t out of the game unless you quit!
Bonus: Get Smart! Whatever your goal—whatever your plan—chances are someone has tried something similar. And, if enough people have tried it, there’s probably a system to help you succeed. Maybe it’s a smartphone app, maybe it’s a paper system, maybe it’s a group of like-minded people who get together in your community. Don’t be afraid to look for tools that can help you succeed, and more importantly, don’t be afraid to use them!
