Do You Struggle to Reach Your Goals?
Did you make a big New Year’s Resolution this year? Maybe it was to finally lose those 30 extra pounds. Maybe it was to get back into shape so you can play at the park with the grandkids. Maybe it was to finally quit smoking or pay off that pesky credit card debt. Maybe it was to finally start your own business and become your own boss. You can reach your goals by taking them one week at a time.
We tend to make big resolutions at the beginning of the year. And why not, we have an entire year to complete them. That may sound like a good thing at first, but a few days in you realize that that’s a pretty big goal. And a year is a long time. Sticking to a low-calorie diet for an entire year sounds daunting, doesn’t it? As does going for a run for 365 consecutive days. And how about not being able to go out to eat or get your nails done for an entire year so you can use the money to pay off those student loans?
New Years Resolutions are Broke!
It’s no wonder New Year’s resolutions are broken before the end of January. Instead of taking it one year at a time, try taking it one week at a time. Yes, the end goal will still be big, but instead of being good for the coming 12 months, try sticking to your diet, exercising or living frugally for the next week.
Once you make it to Sunday, challenge yourself to stick to your end goal for another week. It won’t take long before you start to see some progress. That in itself will be very motivating. But the positive side effects of taking it one week at a time don’t end there.
Turn it Into a Habit!
As you stick to your new good habits week after week, they will become habits. Choosing a salad over a burger and fries will become second nature. Healthy food will start to taste better and you’ll love to feeling of energy and well-being. You’ll keep going for your daily walk and saying no when someone offers you a smoke. And heading to the mall to try on (and buy) new outfits no longer sounds like your idea of a fun afternoon out.
Your habits start to change for the better and it will become easier and easier to stick to these changes. Before you know it, December rolls around and you realize that this is the year when your resolution finally stuck. And you did it one week at a time.
