Whether you’ve made a New Year’s resolution or simply have a goal to achieve, it can be hard to stay on track when life gets chaotic. Below are six tips for staying on track.
Make realistic resolutions. The No. 1 tip for keeping a resolution is creating one that you’re apt to keep in the first place. Take a hard look at your existing priorities and commitments before penning that resolution, or you may set yourself up for disappointment.
Focus on habit—not outcome. If you make a resolution based around a habit, like exercising four days a week, it may be easier to hit the mark than if you focus on an outcome, like losing five pounds.
Set a schedule. Now that you have a realistic resolution, work it into your schedule. If you want to eat healthier, set time aside for shopping and meal prep. If you want to be more creative, clear your Saturday mornings for art or writing.
Find an accountability buddy. Find a pal or family member who also has a resolution to keep, and check in with one another weekly or monthly to see if you’re on track. Nothing helps motivate like accountability.
Allow room to adjust. Has your resolution already lost its luster? We’ve all been there. Maybe the issue is that your goal was too lofty. Maybe exercising four days a week was too much, but two is doable. Maybe saving $300 a month was too ambitious, but $150 is a can-do. Allow yourself room to adjust so that you stay on track rather than give up.
Celebrate every win. Nothing strips motivation like feeling guilty for missing the mark. Each time you make steps toward your resolution, give yourself a pat on the back.
