9 tips for getting your new year’s resolutions back on track

1. Remember the reason why you made the resolution

Thinking about the positive influence a goal can have on our lives reminds us exactly why we set it in the first place.

2. Be realistic

If our goals are unrealistic, we probably won’t reach them, which can make us feel crap. Instead of ‘I’ll work out for an hour every day’, try ‘I’ll work out for 30 minutes on Mondays and Wednesdays’. That way, you’ll feel a sense of achievement when you hit it.

3. Frame your resolution positively

Often we look at a new year’s resolution negatively. For example, ‘I’m so unhealthy… I need to eat less junk food’, or ‘I’m so lazy… I need to watch less Netflix.’ Negative self-talk keeps us stuck in the past. Instead, try to look at things in a positive way.

4. Challenge your assumptions

We all have heaps of assumptions that may get in the way of our goals. To use the gym example again, maybe you believe that you’ll never be able to get fit, or that you just don’t have time to exercise. If you become aware of and break down these assumptions, you might realise they’re not really true and that they’re holding you back. Challenging our assumptions can sometimes be tricky on our own, stay positive and believe you can!

5. Prepare for obstacles

As we said, change ain’t easy. If you expect and plan for obstacles, you may nip them in the bud. If you think you’ll be likely to skip the gym in favour of a sleep-in, work out what you can do to try and overcome that obstacle.

6. Team up with a mate

Things are better when you don’t feel like you’re on your own. Having a friend to chat with about your goals when your motivation is slipping really helps. They can give you the encouragement you may not be able to give yourself.

7. Create an action plan

Break your goal into smaller steps so they’re easier to achieve.

8. Make it fun

If you choose the exercise you find enjoyable or give yourself a small reward once you’ve saved a certain amount of money, you’ll be more likely to stick to your goals. Rewarding the steps you’ve taken towards achieving your goals can be really motivating.

9. Congratulate yourself

When you tick off a step on your action plan and move closer to achieving your goal, remember to congratulate yourself. It’s tough to stick to resolutions, and simply giving it a go and trying your best is something worth celebrating.