When we welcome in the new year, it feels like we have been presented with a fresh start. But is now the best time to set out to create positive change? Read on for my guide: 5 ways to successfully achieve new year goals.
Is now really the best time to set goals?
You might not be feeling particularly positive at the moment, but if you are feeling like you need a change, then now is a great time to think seriously about it.
As with any new year goals, I don’t believe we should be setting resolutions or making drastic lifestyle changes, with a view to create a huge and immediate effect. As an example, those of us who enthusiastically embark on crash diets on the 1st of January, in an attempt to lose weight and be healthier, might be suddenly consuming considerably less calories than we were prior to the diet. This is likely to leave us feeling hungry and reaching for the crisps and biscuits after just a few days.
This sort of change is largely unsustainable and is unlikely to give us the results we are looking for. So, we really need to be looking at creating realistic and achievable actions and steps.
5 Ways to Successfully Achieve Your New Year Goals
1. Do you know where you are going?
Very often, we feel unhappy with life and know something needs to change, but in fact we haven’t got a clue where to start. Over my years of coaching, I have had many clients who have come to me wanting to make one life change, when in fact it had been something else that initially needed changing. Once that change has been initiated, we often find that other areas of our life fall into place too.
If you are currently at a loss about where you are heading, take some time to journal or brainstorm some ideas. One way that works particularly well, is to write down everything you don’t want. By knowing what you don’t want, you can work out what you do want. Then, write down why you want to set those goals. What will those results bring to your life? Just like a sat nav, this gives you a clearer picture of your destination and the journey you can take to get there.
2. Is the desire enough to make change?
Ask yourself how much you really want to make this change. If you aren’t ready to commit to making this positive change, then now is not the time to begin. Does that sound a bit defeatist? No, it’s not at all. If you want to make a change, but you are not fully committed, then you are likely to give up before you’ve even begun.
Take a step back for a little while and revisit your goals when you do feel ready to start working on them.
3. Start small and create positive habits
It’s important we don’t set out to make drastic change, as expecting to see instant results only leaves us feeling deflated and undermotivated to continue towards our goal, often leading to us giving up altogether.
Instead, it is best to begin by making one small change and creating a new positive habit, until that habit becomes part of your everyday life.
For example, if you are looking to lose weight, don’t try to change too much in one go. Make just one small change to your diet until it becomes a positive habit. Then you will be ready to move on and make the next change to your diet, or maybe introduce something new into your fitness routine.
I find using a positive habit tracker is a great way to stay on track. You can see at glance what you have achieved and it’s great to look back on to help keep you motivated.
4. Create a positive mindset
Creating a positive mindset for achieving your goals is absolutely vital. Not only does it put you in the right frame of mind, but it reinforces your belief that you can reach your goal, however far away it seems.
Using positive affirmations on a daily basis, is a great way to boost your confidence, belief and self-worth. Write down some personal affirmations that mean something to you and repeat them several times each day. Standing in front of a mirror to do this is particularly powerful.
I’m a huge fan of creative visualisation and by routinely practicing this I have experienced some amazing results. I recommend you do this on a daily basis too. I often use creative visualisation as I’m about to go to sleep each night. To do this, place your end goal into your mind as if you are already there and have it in your life. Bring it to life by using all your senses to fully experience this visualisation; what can you see, hear, feel and smell?
5. Review your progress and reward yourself
If you are tempted to skip this step, then please don’t! It is important to regularly and consistently review your progress, focus on what you have achieved so far and celebrate those achievements by rewarding yourself.
Knowing how far you have come is a great motivator in encouraging you to continue moving forward towards your goal. Plus, planning and giving yourself little rewards along the way, also helps you to stay enthusiastic about your journey.
Summary: Ways to achieve your new year goals
Following the above five steps should support you to successfully achieve your new year goals.
- Remember to be gentle with yourself along the way, by not making radical change too soon.
- Take it one step at a time, don’t try to do too much at once.
- Set out a clear plan and track your progress.
- Be consistent, focus on your achievements and reward yourself along the way. This will boost your confidence, self-belief and self-esteem.
- It is perfectly fine to take a step back for a short while, you don’t have to be working towards your goal all the time. Just pick up where you left off and celebrate how far you have come.
- Lastly, if you are not yet ready to make that change, then don’t force it. You won’t enjoy the journey and you could end up with feelings of frustration and resentment. Revisit your goals again when you are absolutely ready to make those changes.
What changes are you making this year? Let me know in the comments below.
