Congrats! If you’ve made it to February and you’re just now thinking about keeping your new year’s resolutions in 2023, then you’re doing better than most already. But, if you need that little push to get you over the edge and on track, here are some top tips about maintaining new year’s resolutions in 2023 and beyond.
Make a plan
If you’ve got this far without a plan – that’s impressive! But, if you’re flagging, making a plan of how you’ll get the rest of the way can be a key part of keeping your new year’s resolutions in 2023. If you’re not sure how to start, ask yourself “what’s one small thing you could do today that would be a step in the right direction?” Write that down. Then ask, “what about tomorrow?” Repeat this until you have a 30-day plan. When you get to the end, run this exercise again until you achieve your goal.
Have an end goal
The best goals have a destination in mind. Make sure you know where you want to end up and map the little steps that will get you there. Try the SMART method. Realistic is one of the key phrases here. Goals are impossible to keep if they’re not possible to begin with. So, even if you’re a month into your resolutions, evaluate them to make sure they are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Oh, and make sure it’s something YOU want to achieve. Not a goal your spouse, friends or society is pressuring you to make.
Get a coach
Whether a professional or just a friend you can count on, get someone you can talk to about how you’re going with your goals. Remember that one slip-up isn’t a failure. Have your mentor or buddy encourage you to start fresh the next day and continue to push forward. Sometimes just being accountable to someone can help you make real progress. If you don’t have anyone you can talk to about your goal, try keeping a journal of your progress. This will give you something tangible to look back on if the going gets tough.
Recruit a friend
What’s not better with a buddy? If you have a friend or family member who wants to achieve the same goal as you; team up! You’ll find it easier to stay motivated and consistent if you’re not alone. Plus, you’ll have a special someone to celebrate your wins and achievements with. It’s a sure-fire recipe for success. Just remember to be encouraging and stay focused on your goal. Don’t encourage each other into laziness or ‘cheats’ and you’ll find the going is easier with two.
Reward the micro wins
If you’re struggling to maintain your motivation, give yourself micro-rewards. Create a list of milestones along the way to reaching your goal. When you overcome each step along the way, give yourself something nice like a night out or a hamper full of treats. Feeling like you’re making progress should help you maintain the motivation you need to go on with keeping your new year’s resolutions in 2023. Don’t forget to snap pictures of your celebrations to look back on when you need that little push to keep striving.
