8 Proven Ways to Keep Your Resolutions
Got a resolution to actually keep your resolution? We’re here to help! Every year seems to start the same, “This year I’m definitely going to stop; smoking, drinking alcohol, drinking coffee, eat unhealthy foods, stop taking drugs, taking the bus and start; exercising more, eating healthy, meditating, growing my own vegetables... right???We've heard (and probably made) most of these resolutions at one point or another – but have you ever actually followed through? Is the thought of change actually more unbearable than the change itself?We know it’s a little daunting taking the leap into the unknown, yikes, we’ve been there too, so check out these simple steps below to help you keep your 2013 resolutions for good!
1. Say What You Want, Not What You Don't Want
There is so much information bombarding you every day that your brain has to pick and choose what to focus on. When you set a goal, you're telling your brain what you want it to focus on. When you do that, you're much more likely to spot opportunities to achieve the goal. This is kinda like when you buy a new car and suddenly you notice your car EVERYWHERE! They were there before, you just weren't focusing on it.So, if you say "I want to lose weight", this is like saying, "I don't want to be fat". What image does that statement create? An image of you being fat! It's like if I said to you, "don't think about a pink giraffe". Your brain ignores the "don't" and can't help but think about the pink giraffe! A much better goal might be "I want to fit into my old size 10 jeans".
2. Give Yourself a Time Limit
Have you ever noticed how a deadline is awesome for getting things done? Even if the deadline is arbitrary, it's a great psychological tool to keep you on track. Make sure you have a time limit for achieving your resolution.
3. First Things First
It's really important to break all your resolutions and goals down into bite size chunks. Firstly, make sure you only focus on one thing at a time. You’re much more likely to succeed this way so keep it simple. Secondly, make sure you figure out Step One. This is the single best piece of advice I've got for achieving my goals because it makes it practical and achievable. Even if I have no idea how to achieve my goal, I know I can at least do Step One so I get on with it and before I know it I've built so much momentum I can't stop!
4. Keep Yourself Accountable
Keep a journal, write it down and keep it visible. Instead of “This year I’m going to exercise more” change that to “ For the month of February I’m going to train at 6am Monday, Wednesday and Friday” It’s much more specific and you’re more likely to stick with it because it’s more tangible.
5. Find a Buddy
If your goal seems a little hard to tackle on your own, rope in one of your friends. It’s much more fun, motivating and rewarding if you can go on the journey with someone else. It's also really hard to stay in bed when someone is expecting you...
6. Take a Leap of Faith – and just do it
Book it, buy it and commit to it! Sometimes the idea of change can be far more daunting than the thing itself. Sometimes being impulsive is just what we need to get on with it.
7. Find a Mentor – seek advice
You’d be surprised how many incredible people you’re surrounded by who can help you achieve your goals. Don’t take your trainers, parents, boss’, partner or friends for granted. Ask for their help, with the right people supporting you, you really are unstoppable!
8. Don't Wait Until Your Reach Your Goal to Reward Yourself
You need to reward every bit of progress, no matter how small. It doesn't need to be a big reward, and it shouldn't be something that's taking you away from your goal (e.g. doing a run doesn't mean you should reward yourself with a block of chocolate!). For example, if you said "no" to the chocolate cake at work, a little internal 'high-five' is great because it starts to associate the behaviour you want with positive feelings. This is so much better than associating pain with your little win, e.g. moaning about how you're missing out. The more strongly you can connect a positive association with the behaviour you want, the more likely you'll do it next time. There you have it, 8 simple ways to keeping your resolutions, have a go and if you fail, it's just feedback. You didn't stop trying to walk because you failed the first 1,000 times did you? Try again, and again, and again, and again. Remember “There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.” Colin Powell.