Happy New Year! As a new year begins many swarm for new years resolutions and ways to improve their lives. It’s a great beginning but before you know it, the passion for change dwindles as the months pass. So, what’s a fail proof way to not succumb to failure? Well, there really isn’t one. But, there are ways to keep yourself in check as the year progresses. Here are tips to keep checking in with reminders and an action plan devised to help keep you mindful of better habits for the year.
Put It on the Calendar
Life is busy and oftentimes we bite off more than we can chew. I always find things getting accomplished when I put it in my calendar. Once in my calendar, the universe conspires for that action to take place. In other words, I am reminded, alerted and it doesn’t go unnoticed and implementation is a higher probability. For example, even when I want to make dinner plans with a friend. We can mention it a thousand times but if we don’t decide on a date and scribble it in our calendars, as reminders, chances are we will overlook the event. The safest best is jotting it down and welcoming the reminders.
Divide Your Year Into Quarters
365 days, 12 months and 52 weeks is a long time. So long, it seems like infinity. It’s inconceivable to fathom the year being over when it’s only January. But, alas, in a blink of an eye, it’s New Years Eve and you find yourself saying “where did the year go”. To avoid the year slipping away, I always like sectioning it into quarters: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. Within each quadrant, I like to forecast short term goals. This way it seems less overwhelming and goals seem attainable. Furthermore, I keep myself on track, with the 3 month duration. Within each section, assigning goals is a great way to stay on track.
Have an Action Plan
The best way to see optimal results is to have an action plan. Ask yourself what it is you want to achieve and work backwards. For instance, you have a goal to save up to purchase a house in the beginning of 2024. Devise how much you need for this endeavor and formulate a plan. You can apply the aforementioned strategy and divide your year into quarters and meet your financial goals to ultimately purchase the house. Having an action plan and working backwards to attain it is a great way to incrementally meet your goals.
Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself
Keep your New Year’s Resolutions realistic and attainable. If they are too far fetched, chances are they are going to roll over to the next year. Make your goals small and enjoy the little gains. Before you know it, those little gains will help you get to the finish line. We can’t change who we are overnight, nor should we. But we can have the mindset to become better versions of ourselves, each year. Not only each year but also each month and week. It is a journey and not a destination.