By Mackenzie Lachey
So you’ve decided 2018 is your year. Maybe you’ve resolved to eat healthier, procrastinate less, learn a new skill or get in shape. If you made a New Year’s resolution this year, you’re in good company. It’s estimated that over 40% of Americans are inspired to set goals every Jan. 1. But now that we are a few weeks into the year with work and school routines revving up, it can be difficult to stay on top of those goals. If the struggle is starting to feel too real, you’re not alone. Research estimates that only 8% of people achieve their New Year’s resolutions. Here’s how to keep the spark alive and crush your 2018 goals.
Break it down
Keep goals realistic and specific. Although eating healthier is a realistic goal, it is not specific. Decide how you will eat healthier and make a plan you can follow. Avoiding vagueness not only keeps you accountable, it keeps the goal manageable.
Break a large goal down into smaller steps to make the task less daunting. Instead of resolving to eat healthier, make a goal of eating three servings of vegetables a day. Making specific, measurable steps keeps you on track to obtaining the larger goal.
Get social
Consider sharing your plan with friends or family. They can be your support at times when motivation falters. If you’re a social media fan, you could share your plan with your social network and discover a support system of friends and followers with similar goals. If you’re feeling really brave, start a blog or Instagram account specifically for your goal. Want to learn to cook in 2018? Start an Instagram account chronicling your cooking journey. Fill it with photos of all the new recipes you’re trying.
Do it for you
Goals that align with something you really care about will be easier to keep than ones you are not as passionate about. Mary Rodes, a graduate luxury and fashion management student, stays motivated by making goals with a purpose. “I need to have a real purpose for whatever I’m doing,” Rodes said.“My morals and personal well-being keep me motivated.”
Determining the end result you desire is the easy part. Who doesn’t want to be in better shape, save more money or learn a new language? It’s harder, however, to accept the sacrifices required along the way to meet your goal. Stay motivated during the process by reminding yourself why you made your goal in the first place.
Reward yourself … correctly
Take time to celebrate your achievements along the way, not just when the goal is complete. Looking forward to small rewards can help keep you on task and motivated while you work towards your bigger goal. But make sure your rewards aren’t counterproductive.
If you’re trying to lose weight, rewarding yourself with a cupcake for completing your workout might set you back and hinder progress rather than motivate you to push forward. Instead, make rewards that line up with your goals. Tell yourself that if you nail your workout plan for the next two weeks, you’ll buy those workout pants you’ve been eyeing.
Keep it fun
Even if you’ve chosen a goal you’re passionate about, sometimes sticking with a plan can be a drag. When you feel your routine getting stale, consider switching it up. Try taking a new class or finding new ways to reward yourself.
Graduate luxury fashion management student Cameron Taylor keeps her workout routine fresh by trying new fitness classes. “Often times when I workout on my own I get bored and lose interest and motivation quickly,” she stated. “By taking classes, I stay interested and the instructors help me stay motivated.”
Don’t beat yourself up if you falter. Being too hard on yourself will discourage you rather than motivate you to change old behaviors. If you hate running, don’t torture yourself spending hours on the treadmill. Try a dance class or give boxing a go for your cardio session instead.
Remember life is a marathon, not a sprint. Self-improvement should be a positive influence in your life, not a negative experience.
