by Michael Stoddard
Every end of the year, people reflect on their achievements and resolve to change some approaches towards particular things they do. At the same time, they come up with other things to do in the coming year, but most of these remain ‘just dreams.’
People easily draw New Year’s resolution list not knowing that not all included items can be achieved. However, I believe that if one is determined and focused, then nothing is impossible. Unsuccessful people always give excuses for their failures, and I would urge you to read them to steer clear of them.
No matter how great New Year resolutions are, you may find it hard to stick to them and especially if you are a student. We all know how time-demanding college assignments are and may leave you with little or no time for other goals. If you are overburdened with assignments and you would like some help, you take a look at Edubirdy and to get a professional writer.
As the saying goes, “old habits die hard” and it is equally difficult to adopt new ones. People resolve to do things differently on the New Year’s Eve but come the beginning of the year; they forget what they resolved and revert to their old ways as they find it hard. Nevertheless, all is not lost as psychologists have come up with strategies that can help one to stick to their ideas.
- Stop treating New year’s eve as a magical day
Although the day is seen as special as it marks the end of the year and heralds the new one, people should not wait for it to introduce new things. If anything, it should be treated as a day like any other and resolutions should be made and introduced on a-need-basis but not to wait until the last day of the calendar.
- Be realistic while setting goals
Learn to set achievable goals. There are people a year in, year out they set the same goals knowing too well they will not be achieved. Instead of coming up with radical solutions like quitting drinking, learning a foreign language or winning a marathon yet you are overweight. Think of a more realistic one like scaling down alcohol consumption or checking weight before thinking of marathons etc. Also, do not make too many resolutions, instead, prioritize only on the most important and urgent ones as others can wait.
You can use a SMART mnemonic for determination of how realistic your new goals are:
S – How specific are they?
M -How measurable?
A – Are they attainable?
R – How relevant?
T – How track-able or measurable?
- Plan well ahead before starting
Thinking and planning about what you want to do will increase your chances of succeeding. If proper planning is done, you will look for all the resources that are required in time.
There are a lot of tutorials and guidelines on how to implement changes that you are planning to undertake and the good thing is that information is readily available on the internet.
- Implement each resolution at a time
Most people come with a raft of measures and try implementing them all at once. That is where they fail. Like stated above, old habits die hard, and adopting a new habit is no easy. What if one decides to quit drinking, stop smoking, and start going to the gym all at once? The truth is that you will fail as some these objectives are time demanding. Wouldn’t it be a great idea of dealing with each at a time and, once you are through with one, you move to the next?
- Introduction of changes should be gradual
Do not pressure yourself to achieve all objectives within the first week or second week. Change should be gradual for example, if you plan attending gym regularly, you can start with 2-3 times a week instead of every day or if you want to lose weight, don’t start starving yourself. Instead, reduce the amount you eat and gradually replace what you think is the cause of less fatty foods.
- If things are not working, seek help
As the saying goes, “problem shared is half solved”. If you struggle achieving those life-changing resolutions, feel free to share with those who care about you or visit a psychologist as they are best placed for handling such issues. They will look into your situation and offer different approaches even if it will mean adjusting them to make them realistic.
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