Every December we take the time to contemplate what we are going to set as our New Year’s resolutions. Unfortunately, many of us have troubles sticking to those New Year’s resolutions for longer than a few weeks to a few months. The most popular resolutions are that of living a healthier lifestyle. It all begins with the desire to want to be healthier, so just by deciding on a healthy resolution you are off to a great start, however you may just need a little help following through. What is important for success is how you go about achieving and maintaining your New Year’s resolutions.
1. Be realistic
It’s extremely important to set resolutions that are realistic for you, your lifestyle, and your schedule. You need to be honest with yourself about your goals and what you will be able to achieve in light of your career, your family, and your social life. If you aren’t realistic about your goals then you will likely just end up frustrated or quitting.
2. Set short-term progress goals along the way
If you take it step-by-step, you are much more likely to achieve your goal. If you have smaller goals along the way, success feels closer. Each time you reach a progress point you will feel a sense of accomplishment and be encouraged and motivated to continue on your journey. For example, if you are trying to be more positive, start with writing down three positive outlooks/thoughts a day. Once you feel like you have achieved the 3 with ease, you can move onto 5, then 10.
3. A step back doesn’t mean you should give up
We are human, and that means we are going to fail here and there. Don’t be so hard on yourself. If you take a step back, don’t give up, just focus on getting back on track as soon as possible. For example, if you are trying to quit smoking and you have a moment of weakness and smoke a cigarette, don’t beat yourself up about it. Put it in the past and continue on your journey to quitting.
4. Don’t go at it alone
Support is a must when trying to reach a goal. Talk to your loved ones about your resolutions and discuss your progress as you go along. You can even get a friend or family member to hop on board and reach for the same goal. For example, if you are trying to exercise more, ask a friend to be your workout partner. Keep each other motivated as you both work towards your goals.
5. Try using helpful apps to keep track of your goals and hold yourself accountable
There are a lot of great apps out there that can help you along the way. Whether your goal is to drink more water, exercise more, eat healthier, quit smoking, etc., there is likely an app out there that you can download right to your smartphone to help you hold yourself accountable.
6. Keep a Journal
A journal is a wonderful way to positively help you in all aspects of life. Write your goals down, write how you feel about them, how you are planning to achieve them, etc. When you feel motivated write down why, when you feel discouraged, write it down and then refer back to your words of motivation. Keep track of your progress and small wins along the way.
Implementing these tips and tricks are a sure way to help you along your goals and resolutions in 2019. It’s important to try and stay positive, and believe in yourself. Remember that being healthy isn’t just about your body, but your mind. Balancing both physical and emotional happiness is key. If you struggle with keeping a healthy mind, consider turning to the help of a professional in mental health counseling in Carrolton.
Here at Lifeworks, we can help. Our team of caring experts understands the weight and impact of depression and anxiety and want to help you take steps to a happier and healthier mind. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our highly recommended therapist in Carrolton.
