As 2021 soon comes to a close, many people are beginning to brainstorm their 2022 goals and aspirations. While some goals are big, others are small — and that’s totally okay! Each of us can and should envision a worthwhile year for ourselves and our communities.
If you need ideas on where to start, and tips and tricks on actually following through, read on! It’s invaluable to avoid the frustration that often accompanies any perceived failures by focusing on making resolutions that are sustainable and attainable.
Let’s begin.
Define your goals and track your progress
It doesn’t do you a lot of good to proclaim “This is the year I finally get in shape!” because that can mean many different things. Are there a specific number of pounds you want to lose? Maybe a body-fat percentage you have in mind? Or an ideal set of push-ups you’d like to accomplish without rest? The point is, it’s easy to lose momentum with your resolution if you keep it vague and don’t define why it’s a goal of yours in the first place.
Additionally, once you’ve set those specific goals, start to track your progress. Getting your goals on paper and mapping your updates will serve as a motivation and reminder of where you started and how far you’ve come.
Start small and keep it in perspective
It’s important to choose resolutions that don’t overwhelm your time or resources right now. For example, some of us might aim to exercise more often in the new year — so, schedule three days a week doing simple exercises at home or take afternoon walks more frequently instead of sitting on the couch.
Setting small goals can make a big impact in your overall lifestyle. Don’t think of the new year as a time to completely change your character, but rather, a time to reflect on past behaviors and promise yourself to make better choices going forward.
Where you should find value is not in the degree of change you create but in acknowledging that improvements to your lifestyle are worth working toward, even if it’s just one step at a time.
Talk about it and ask for support
This step is admittedly tough—it takes a dose of courage to share. But you do improve your odds of success considerably when you leverage the support and accountability of your loved ones.
Consider making similar goals as your family or friends and holding each other accountable. Or, tap into the support of a group at the local gym. Whichever journey you’re on, there’s likely another person in your circle walking the same path. Building comradery is a great way to stay successful.
Go easy on yourself
Don’t set your sights on perfection, because that’s impossible to achieve. Minor missteps are part of the process and are necessary, as you find what does and doesn’t work for you. So, if you stray from your plan, adapt accordingly, but keep moving towards the goals you set for yourself.
The point is to keep trying and striving toward your resolution even when you miss the mark. Everyone has ups and downs. However, we are resilient.
We can do it!
