Achieving Your New Years Resolutions by Summers End
As the school year wraps up and summer holiday begins, there’s a significant topic to address: what happened to all those ambitions you set back in January? With nearly half of New Year’s resolutions being abandoned within the first month, it’s likely that yours have slipped your mind.
This doesn’t mean your objectives weren’t worthwhile. A YouGov survey highlights that, in 2018, the top three resolutions were to eat healthier, increase physical activity, and save more money. Although we are halfway through the year, there’s still ample opportunity to achieve these goals. Rather than waiting until next January, let’s capitalize on the summer season and strive to finish 2018 on a strong note. (Also see: 10 Financial Resolutions You Can Achieve Before New Year’s)
That said, continuing with the same strategies and expecting different outcomes may not be the most effective method. If you’re determined to meet your targets in the upcoming three months, it’s time to rethink your approach.
Divide your goals into achievable steps
Many of us struggle with maintaining focus because our goals can be overly ambitious and not clearly defined. When objectives lack quantifiable measures, it can be challenging to recognize success. The absence of immediate results can dampen our enthusiasm. Instead of fixating on the overall objective of losing weight or reducing debt, start with smaller, manageable milestones.
For instance, aim to exercise three times within the week or to incorporate an additional two glasses of water into your daily routine. This makes your goal measurable, and quick achievements can foster a sense of accomplishment. As you succeed in these smaller tasks, you are more likely to uphold the positive behaviors over time.
If you find yourself facing significant debt, begin by tracking your expenditures to understand your financial habits and establish a written budget before every paycheck. (See also: 5 Steps to Successful Budgeting)
These smaller initiatives are straightforward to repeat consistently, but don’t rush the process. Build momentum during the summer, paving the way for lasting positive habits well before the holiday season arrives. (See also: 25 Bite-Sized Money Resolutions to Make This Your Most Successful Year)
Seek out accountability partners
Utilizing the influence of positive peer pressure can be crucial in maintaining your focus. This could be an exercise buddy, someone to assist you in resisting temptations like smoking, or participating in a finance group that regularly meets to review goals and priorities. We aren’t meant to navigate life alone, so finding someone to share in your journey towards achieving your goals can be incredibly beneficial.
It can be daunting to open up about the areas where we feel less confident. Revealing vulnerabilities and admitting to not having everything figured out can be tough. Fortunately, those around you are likely already aware of your imperfections; we all have them. Sharing support within your social circle can be beneficial, as they may also be in need of motivation to resurrect their own New Year’s resolutions. (See also: This Tip Could Help You Finally Eliminate Your Debt)
Start your day by making your bed
Make your bed each day.
This simple yet powerful routine is endorsed by retired Navy SEAL, four-star admiral, and former chancellor of the University of Texas, William H. McRaven. He remarked to USA Today, “There’s a unique strength in making your bed every morning. Master the small tasks, like making your bed correctly, and this skill transcends into other areas of your life.”
In his book, Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life … And Maybe the World, he elaborates on how starting your day with a small, attainable task can set a constructive tone for the rest of your day. Achieving an early win fosters momentum that equips you to tackle more significant tasks effectively.
Consider adopting this practice. For the next three months, kick off your day with bed-making and see if this leads to meaningful progress towards your resolutions by Labor Day.
