With every New Year comes a fresh start, an unblemished calendar, and an opportunity to finally set those goals that have been on our minds for months. Yet all too often, these resolutions never come to fruition. Statistics tell us that 75% of people give up in the first month. It's now mid-March. Have you upheld those standards that you set for yourself on January 1st? If not, follow these six tips to ensure that you surpass every goal you set for yourself from this day forward.
1. Find Your Why
Your why is the deep-down, personal motivation behind everything you do. Discovering the reason behind your goals is crucial if you want to be successful in achieving them. For each of your goals, ask yourself what’s at stake. Why do you want to reach this goal? How will it affect your life if you are successful? Why is it important to you? Revisit these answers whenever you need to. Your why will keep you moving forward even when it gets hard or motivation is dwindling.
2. Write it Down
It’s not real until it’s written, and I don’t mean in a text to your friend. There’s nothing that makes a goal more concrete than seeing it stare back at you in your own handwriting. So, write out your goals and keep the list in a place where you will see them regularly like the bathroom mirror or on your nightstand. That way you can review your progress and stay on track.
3. Be Real
Make sure that the goals you are setting can actually be accomplished. For example, saying “I will work out every single day” is probably not achievable for most and could be more discouraging than motivating. Instead, it would be better to say, “I will work out at least three days a week for 30 minutes or more each time”. The second is much more realistic, allowing you to reach and even surpass your goal while still seeing the results you want.
4. Accountabili-Buddies
It’s much easier to give up on a goal that no one knows about. Choose a few trusted friends and share your ambitions. If they’re willing, have them keep you accountable by regularly checking in on your progress. You can also encourage anyone with similar goals to workout with you and make it even more fun. Finally, if you feel like you need to take the next step when it comes to accountability, look for a personal trainer or group fitness studio. Having a trained professional in your corner can be an amazing resource and will give you exactly what you need to succeed.
5. Celebrate Victories
Savor the progress you’re making by rewarding yourself for small victories. For example, stay consistent with a week of workouts and treat yourself to a nice relaxing massage for those sore muscles. There’s something to be said about a well-deserved reward that will help keep you motivated and remind you that your goals are important.
6. Setbacks Happen
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and a city isn’t nearly as complicated as the human body. It will take time and determination to reach the results that you want. Setbacks might happen, but they shouldn’t keep you from pursuing your goal. The key is to avoid the all-or-nothing, “I already screwed up, I might as well just stop trying” attitude. If you get off track, first try to find out why. For example, if you skip a workout because you came home after work and put on Netflix, next time workout first and then come home and enjoy your show in peace. Most importantly, if a mistake is made, recognize it and get back on track. One little obstacle can’t keep you from your end goal unless you let it.
Now you’re ready to succeed. Follow these six tips to ensure that you follow through with your goals and continue to reach them year after year.
Want some help reaching your goals?
Let's face it, sometimes you need more than just six tips to reach your goals. If you need that extra push, consider signing up for monthly online coaching with me. Let me help you take it one step farther and find the success you deserve.
originally written for www.stayfit305.com