9 Steps to Make - and Keep - Your New Year's Resolutions
2018 is now gone -- can you believe how fast it went by?! But with the end of one year brings the start of a new one, and with that new start comes the famous tradition of setting New Year's resolutions. If you're like most people, you start the new year determined to make positive changes in your life throughout the next 12 months. But, unfortunately, most of us don't end up accomplishing those goals, or at least as well as we initially planned.
Twelve months is a long time to keep up changes, and as we get back into our daily routines, it can be easy to slip back into old habits and lose the new year "oomph" that had us so motivated at the beginning.
This year, you deserve to feel good about yourself as you accomplish the goals you made! We know that a lot of things can get in the way of keeping up with our New Year's resolutions, but we also have a few tips and tricks to help you stay motivated and accomplish your goals! Whether you've already set your resolutions or are still brainstorming just what you'd like to accomplish this year, here are nine ways to help you make -- and keep -- your New Year's resolutions:
1. Set SMART Goals
SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.
- Specific: When setting goals, it's important to make sure they are simple and specific. This will help you know exactly what it is you're trying to accomplish. Breaking down larger goals into smaller steps also makes your goals seem more manageable.
- Measurable: Make your goals measurable to help you keep track of your progress and stay motivated.
- Achievable: Don't set unrealistic goals! Your goals should stretch you, but they should not be far-fetched. If they are, it will be easier to become discouraged.
- Relevant: Your goals should matter to you. It should feel like the right time to make those changes. Your goals should fit your circumstances and align with your efforts or needs.
- Time-Bound: Every goal should have a targeted deadline. You can set either a final deadline or a series of deadlines for things you need to accomplish in order to reach your overall goal.
For more information on setting SMART goals, check out this site!
2. Write Down Your Goals
By writing down your goals, you create a reference that you can use throughout the year. Whether you set one goal or ten, things can get in the way that can cause you to forget about your new resolution. When you write down your goals, you have something you can look back on to remind yourself of what you're trying to accomplish. Make sure you write your goals in a place you will remember and see often!
3. Share Your Goals With Others
Sharing your goals with others creates a sense of accountability. If you are the only one who knows about your goals, it will be easier to take shortcuts. But if you have someone regularly checking in on your progress, you will feel more motivated to do what you said you will do and report your success! Having a support system of others who are aware of your goals can also give you encouragement to keep going when keeping your goal becomes more difficult.
4. Celebrate the Small Successes
It can be hard to keep at your goals for an entire year, which is why it is so important that you celebrate the small successes! When you reach milestones in your plans, take time to recognize your accomplishments and motive yourself to keep going!
5. Remember That It's Okay To Slip Up
Nobody's perfect, which means that it's almost inevitable that each of us will slip up in our efforts to achieve our goals. But don't let that get you down! It's okay to slip up every now and then - it happens! The important thing is that you get back on track with your goals as quickly as possible. Recognize your fault, but don't dwell on it. Instead, stay confident in your ability to start again and make it to the finish line.
6. Don't Rely On Others To Get You Where You Want To Go
Only you are in charge of yourself! When you set New Year's resolutions, make sure that your goals don't focus on someone else taking action in order for you to succeed. Instead, focus on what you need to do because that is something you can control.
7. Don't Be Afraid To Change Up Your Plan
Something that many people misunderstand with goal setting is they think that once they write down a goal and plan, it's set in stone. Not true! If you feel that the plan you set to accomplish your goal isn't getting you quite where you want to be, then it's time to make a change. You may not necessarily need to change the goal itself, but just the plan that will help you get there. Everyone is different, and we don't know just how things are going to work out. If something in your plan isn't working for you, don't be afraid to change it up until you find what it is you need to accomplish your goal.
8. Use Essential Oils
Essential oils provide a simple yet effective way to help you accomplish your New Year's resolutions! There are plenty of essential oils that can help improve your health, clear your mind, and keep you motivated. Here are just a few ways that essential oils can help you accomplish your goals:
- Goal: Reduce Stress. If you're looking to lower your stress levels this year, try incorporating some Lavender or Frankincense oil into your daily routine. Both of these oils have a relaxing effect that can help calm the mind.
- Goal: Get Better Sleep. Getting good and enough sleep is essential to maintaining a healthy mind and body. To help you relax before bed and stay asleep, try diffusing some Lavender or Spikenard in your bedroom.
- Goal: Get in Shape and Lose Weight. One of the most popular New Year's resolutions is to get in shape and/or lose weight. If this is one of your goals, use citrus oils like Lemon, Grapefruit, and Orange to help curb cravings, melt fat, and boost your energy.
- Goal: Learn Something New. With the start of a new year, many people have the goal of learning something new. This is a great goal, but it can be hard to stay motivated when learning a new skill. To keep your mind focused and your motivation high, try using some Vetiver or Rosemary essential oil.
- Goal: Spend More Time With Family and Friends. If you have a goal to spend more time with those you love, our Joyful Moments blend can help create an atmosphere of friendship and joy in your home for when visitors come. Or, take Joyful Moments with you in an aromatherapy inhaler as you meet up with friends!
9. Believe in Yourself!
This is the most important part of any goal setting! Even if you have a specific goal and a detailed plan, it won't do much for you if you don't believe that you can accomplish it! Take your goals one step at a time, and just remember that you are amazing, and you can do whatever you set your mind to!