As we approach the end of the first month of 2024, it’s natural to reflect on the New Year’s resolutions we set and assess our progress. Researchers reported that 9% of people who decide on a goal actually stick with it.
Now, the good news is it your likelihood of achieving your goal increases by 48% when you write it down. And if you tell a friend your goal, then your likelihood of achieving it rockets to 78%.
So write that New Year’s resolution down and tell somebody whose opinion matters to you about it. Now, one of the biggest mistakes in the goal setting arena is that we confuse goals with tasks.
interested or committed?
Let’s take a favourite resolution. This is the year I’m going to get fit. Firstly level up your goal by linking it to a desire e.g. maybe you want to be able to kick the ball around in the backyard with your kids and actually enjoy the quality time without the stiffness. The next day, think about your desire and then decide, are you interested or are you committed? What’s the difference? Well, when you’re interested in something, you do it when it’s convenient or when you feel like it, you need to be in the mood for it.
When you’re committed, you just do it, regardless of the weather, how you’re feeling, what you’d rather be doing. There’s no contest because, well, it’s simply who you are.
feel it
Don’t waste your energy beating yourself up and talking down to yourself simply because you mistook commitment for interest. Consider boosting your desire by adding emotion. How will you feel when your son or daughter asks you to play and you say no because, well, you’re too unfit, or you’re overweight, or you’re in pain, or you’re embarrassed. Conversely, how will you feel when your son or daughter asks you to play and you say yes, and you have the most amazing time playing together?
Feel it. Just give yourself that gift and feel all of it. Now that you’re in the yes, I want this zone. What’s the goal that will deliver this desire?
Set the goal of being able to run around in the backyard for 30 minutes and actually enjoy it. Write down your desire and your goal. Remember, we’re more likely to achieve it if we write it down.
set tasks to achieve your goal
Okay, so what tasks do you need to complete to move you towards your goal? These can be things like:
- get a physical
- buy some exercise gear that you actually feel good in
- research gyms in your area and book a consultation
- find a dance class
So, who can you enlist to support you on this journey? Now, using our example, you could enlist your son or your daughter to cheer you on.
Building a routine
Now that you’re ticking off your tasks, begin thinking about the routines that will help you meet your goal. So what’s a routine?
Well, a routine is a repeatable sequence of tasks. You do them enough times and they’ll become a habit.
Let’s celebrate
Let’s make 2024 the year we celebrate more. It is important to celebrate your progress along the way.
Celebrating with something as simple as a quick high five or treating yourself to something special.
Acknowledging and commemorating each step and achievement, no matter how small, can do wonders for reinforcing positive behaviour and motivation.
It’s not too late
So, if you’re feeling disheartened about your New Year’s resolutions, feeling like it’s too late to get back on track, give yourself some grace.
Remind yourself of your desires, jot down your goals, rally your supporters, and begin breaking down your tasks.
Establishing routines and celebrating your victories along the way will fortify your determination and progress towards success.
Here’s to making those New Year’s resolutions stick and achieving your goals in 2024!