10 Ways To Create Sustainable and Successful New Year’s Goals and Resolutions

It is my hope you are all having a lovely holiday season and enjoying the bounty of seasonal fruit and vegetables available to us! As the festivities continue, I’m sure many of us are reflecting on what our new year’s resolutions should be! Most likely you already have some ideas… which is awesome! 

For this article, I really want to support you in your resolutions by providing you with ways to ensure that you can be most successful by creating sustainable new year’s resolutions- this is so important! 

Did you know that by January 12^th most people have already given up on their new year’s resolution?! Let’s not let that happen in 2021- or ever! 

First of all, let’s define what is the difference between a goal and a resolution:

Goals: These are the objects of a person’s ambition or effect.  For example; a goal could be to lose all of the weight gained during pregnancy.

Resolutions: These are decisions that result in changes to a person’s lifestyle and often help work towards their goals.  These are not as easily measurable as goals because it’s an ongoing process.  For example, a resolution could be to make healthier decisions with what I was eating.

In other words, once you decide on your goals, then the resolutions become the changes you will make in your life in order to reach those goals.

Now that we know what they are, how do we make goals and resolutions that we can reach and maintain?

1. Be realistic 

I often find that too much change right away in January just isn’t sustainable in the long term. Don’t overwhelm yourself and think of ALL the things you hope to accomplish- pick one or two at most. I’m sure many of you want to lose weight- this tends to be one of the most common goals- but note that there’s a difference between losing 100 pounds and losing 50 pounds over the course of the year. Also note the difference between losing 10 pounds in 2 months versus 10 pounds in 3 weeks. It must be realistic on all fronts.

2. Remember it’s on ongoing process- not just two weeks 

You are choosing these goals and resolutions for the long haul as they are things that will enhance your quality of life. They should be things you want to incorporate into your lifestyle. So, keep this in mind: You aren’t going to see 100% change in two weeks, and you are most likely not to meet your goal in two weeks time either. Remember these are resolutions of the new YEAR not the first 2 weeks or the first month. 

3. Failing to plan is planning to fail 

For example, if you want to eat healthier you need to plan for that. For example, do you need to reach out to a dietitian to learn about what it means to eat healthy and balanced?  How will you go about creating a meal plan and how will you execute the it? For example, which day will you shop for groceries and when will you create your grocery list?

What’s in that list?

4. Share with goals and resolutions your partner and or friends and family 

Be upfront with how they can best support you in your journey. The extra support and accountability is so helpful, and you are even more likely to succeed.

5. Figure out your WHY 

This will serve as your motivation and inspiration to keep going even through the challenging times.

6. Don’t buy into short cuts 

Create sustainable change- think lifestyle! You don’t just give up once you have reached the goal you make it a part of yourself and your every day life. Slow and steady always wins the race. Honestly, no one has time for quick fixes. They end up being double or triple the work and time in the end. 

7. Don’t be afraid to ask for help 

It also helps to have people know what your resolutions are so that they can ask about them and support you in your choices.  For any of you who are competitive, having someone working through some of the same resolutions may help keep you motivated as well.  

8. Make sure you have set SMART GOALS

What does S.M.A.R.T stand for?

S = Specific:

First of all, your objective should be well defined and clear to anyone.
Does it give an answer to questions like What? Who? When? Where? Which?

M = Measurable:

It stands for specific measurable. To know if your goal is specific measurable, ask yourself questions such as: How many? How much? How will I determine when it is reached?

A = Attainable:

Ask yourself if your objective is realistic. Be reasonable and make sure it is something you can actually accomplish.

R = Relevant:

Ensure that your goal is something that is really important to you.

T = Time-bound:

Choose a time frame tied to the goal-setting process to accomplish your objective.

For Example:

S = I want to improve my fitness level with running

M = running 5 miles with ease

A = I will run three days per week, varying duration and speed: Two 30-minute runs will be at a faster speed. One 45-minute run will be at a slower speed.

R = Frequent running is relevant to my other objectives of gaining more lean muscles and energy

T = 3 months from today

9. Have a log, diary, or journal

This will help you hold yourself accountable. When you have to log something, you will think twice and be more mindful of your decisions. You will be intentional and constantly aware of whether your actions are either pushing you towards or away from your goals and resolutions.

10. Don’t give up! 

There is no shame in having to take a break and pick up where you left off when you can.  You are more capable than you know!

Cheers to the new year!! Let’s seize 2021! However it comes, It’s our year!

Ashley.