15 ways to actually keep those New Year’s resolutions in 2023
As the New Year approaches, it’s time to reflect on the past year and make those infamous New Year’s resolutions. You know the drill: you vow to exercise more, eat healthier, save money, and all the other cliché resolutions that seem impossible to stick to. But don’t worry, this article has you covered! 🤞
This year, instead of setting the same old, unrealistic goals, try something a little different. How about aspiring to be a professional napping champion? Or perhaps you could make a vow to only communicate in memes for the entire year (can’t guarantee your relationships will survive, but it’ll be a memorable experience).
In all seriousness, though, it’s important to choose resolutions that are meaningful and achievable, and that align with your values and priorities. In this article, we will focus on how to ensure you see these resolutions through to allow yourself to grow, prosper and be filled with fulfillment.
So go ahead and make those moonwalking and meme-filled resolutions (or not), and here’s to a happy and successful 2023!
Before we begin…
If you pour water into a dirty glass, you can’t drink that water! Clean the glass first — get the order right! Prioritize!
The CCC — Concentric Circle Concept
This is an easy way to help you prioritize your resolutions:
[1] Self — the mind, body and soul
[2] Close family
[3] Relatives and friends
[4] Countrymen
[5] Rest of humanity
1. Make specific, achievable goals
Feeling overwhelmed and ready to give up on your resolutions before you even get started? Don’t worry, you’re not alone!
One of the main reasons we fall off the resolution bandwagon is because we try to take on too much at once. Instead of resolving to “exercise more,” try setting a specific, achievable goal like “exercise 3 times per week.” And if you’re really struggling to get motivated, just put on your shoes and go for a walk. Who knows, you might even end up feeling up for a workout.
And if not, that’s okay too. Just remember: taking that first small step is better than standing still.”
Remember
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” — Chinese Proverb
“Little grains of sand make a desert, little drops of water make a mighty ocean”
“Rome wasn’t built in a day”
2. Write your resolutions down
Need a little extra motivation to follow through on your resolutions? Science says writing them down can help! When you jot your goals down on paper, you’re more likely to remember them and feel accountable to follow through.
Think of it as a written contract with yourself (minus the awkward handshake and small talk). And who knows, you might even surprise yourself with how much you can accomplish when you put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard).
Plus, it helps clarify your thoughts and break things down into more manageable steps.
3. Set a timeline
Got big dreams and even bigger goals? Great! Now it’s time to get strategic. Determine when you want to achieve those goals and create a plan for how you’ll get there. Break things down into smaller, intermediate goals or milestones to keep yourself on track. Think of it like a roadmap for success. And if you get lost along the way, just remember: the journey is just as important as the destination (unless you’re on a tight deadline, in which case, get moving!).
Make them as SMALL as you can, this way, you hit milestones faster and get a nice rush of dopamine!
4. Find accountability
If you’re struggling to stay motivated on your resolutions, consider recruiting some cheerleaders (aka friends) or joining a support group where everyone is just as determined as you are. Or, if you want to go all out, hire a coach or mentor to give you that extra push. And if none of that works, just remember: they’ll probably chase you down and force you to follow through, so you might as well just give in now.
5. Make it a habit
Ready to turn that resolution into a habit? Science says it takes about 66 days of repetition to make something a part of your daily routine. So go ahead and give it the ol’ try. Before you know it, your new habit will be as automatic as brushing after you sneeze (or is that just me?) 🤔
6. Keep track of your progress
Don’t let your progress go unnoticed! Keep track of it like a hawk (or a slightly less intense bird). Use a planner, a spreadsheet, or a fancy phone app to document your journey towards greatness. Trust us, seeing how far you’ve come will give you all the motivation you need to keep going.”
Every time you tick that box after successful completion of a task, that little surge in happiness and dopamine will keep you coming back for more.
7. Celebrate small victories
Why wait until you’ve reached your goal to break out the confetti and champagne? Every little victory along the way is worth celebrating, so go ahead and give yourself a pat on the back (or a slice of cake, no judgment here). Remember, every step towards your goal is a step closer to your ultimate destination, and that’s something worth high fiving (or fist bumping, or whatever your celebratory gesture of choice may be) about.
8. Be flexible
Life has a way of throwing curveballs our way, so it’s totally normal if you need to adjust your goals or timeline. Don’t let setbacks get you down! Remember, it’s better to make progress slowly than to give up altogether. So if you need to take a detour or slow down for a bit, that’s okay. Just keep moving forward and you’ll eventually reach your destination (or at least, that’s the plan).
9. Don’t beat yourself up
Setbacks and obstacles are a natural part of the journey towards achieving your goals. So if you encounter a few bumps in the road, don’t beat yourself up over it! Remember, it’s okay to make mistakes. In fact, they can be some of the best learning opportunities. So go easy on yourself, take a deep breath, and try to see the silver lining. Who knows, you might just discover a new way forward that you never would have considered before.
10. Find support
Want to increase your chances of success? Surround yourself with cheerleaders! Find friends, family, or a support group who will encourage and support you on your journey. With the right people by your side, you’ll be unstoppable (or at least, a little less likely to give up). So go ahead and assemble your dream team, and get ready to tackle those goals like a boss (or, you know, at least give it your best shot).
11. Be patient
Achieving your goals takes time and patience, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Keep at it and be consistent in your efforts. Trust me, it will be worth it in the end. Think of it like planting a seed: you have to water it and give it time to grow, but eventually, you’ll see a beautiful flower (or tree, or vegetable, or whatever it is you’re trying to grow).
Just remember: good things come to those who wait (and also, to those who put in the work).
12. Stay motivated
Need a little extra motivation to keep going? Try using positive affirmations, listening to your favorite beats, or finding a source of inspiration to keep you going. Whatever it is that gets you pumped up, use it to your advantage!
Remember, you’ve got this. Now go out there and conquer the world!
13. Seek help if needed
If you’re struggling to achieve your goals, don’t be afraid to ask for help! There’s no shame in seeking the guidance of a coach or mentor, or seeking professional help if your resolution involves addressing a mental health issue.
Remember, you don’t have to go it alone. There are plenty of resources available to help you achieve your goals, so don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for a helping hand (or two, or three). So go ahead and reach out for support. Together, you can make progress and achieve your goals.
14. Stay positive
Need a boost of positivity? Focus on the benefits of achieving your goals! Keeping a positive attitude and reminding yourself of the rewards that come with putting in the work can help you stay motivated and overcome challenges. So go ahead and remind yourself of all the amazing things that await you on the other side of your efforts.
You’re embarking on this journey for a certain outcome, visualize it, think of it, feel that outcome. If need be, put pictures on your phone, laptop, on a vision board.
You’ve got this!
15. Don’t give up
Don’t let setbacks and challenges bring you down! Remember, they’re just a natural part of the journey towards achieving your goals. And if you happen to make a mistake or two along the way, don’t sweat it. It’s all part of the process. Just think: in a few years, you’ll be able to look back and laugh at the ridiculousness of it all. Or at least, that’s the plan.
So go ahead and embrace the bumps in the road. They’re just part of the adventure!
