Here are ways to set manageable, attainable, and exciting New Year’s Resolutions.
A new year can mean new goals, motivation for a fresh schedule, starting new hobbies, or an exercise routine. Planning for the year ahead is a fun way to take note of current goals, create a list of future plans, and push yourself in meaningful ways. Let’s take a look at some tips on setting healthy New Year’s goals, so you stay motivated and safe for the year ahead.
Plan Your Goal
Planning your goal can be different based on what you’re hoping to achieve. Do you want to start a new exercise routine? Do you want to read more books or attend more book club meetings? What about starting a new hobby, trying new recipes, or getting outside your comfort zone by attending a lecture or movie alone? Try defining your goal, deciding what success looks like, and noting how you think it can benefit your lifestyle.
When planning, aim for goals that are realistic, achievable, positive, and easy to incorporate into your day-to-day activities. You may find it easier to stick with New Year’s goals that feel attainable and exciting. Get creative with your New Year’s goals, and don’t be afraid to incorporate light-hearted goals for the year to come.
Start Small
When starting a new routine, hobby, or activity, it’s a smart idea to start small and add time. Set goals of 10-15 minutes per day rather than jumping in at the deep end with a lengthy exercise or hobby marathon. Starting small can give you time to acclimate, build muscle or develop proper technique, and ease into a new routine. Also, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor before beginning any new fitness routine or workouts.
Try planning your small start and increase 5-10 minutes every other week until you reach your goal time. This can help you acclimate and find a time range that feels best for your brain or body.
Form a Habit
Try setting a schedule that feels attainable and motivating. Whether you decide to attend a weekly book club, visit the gym three times per week, or make a point to try a new recipe every Friday, setting expectations that help you form a habit or routine can keep you on track for your New Year’s goals.
Remember that starting small can make the transition phase easier and help you stick with your goals. Once you feel more established in your routine, you can increase the duration or the number of times per week you complete your activity.
Make Progress Fun
One of the most exciting or rewarding parts about completing a goal is the sense of accomplishment. Try to lean into that; you can gamify your goals, set rewards, or create incentives for making progress. Try creating a visual reminder, chart, or check box system where you can mark off your progress. Keeping a visual reminder of your goals and your progress can help you stay motivated, accountable, and excited for your New Year’s goals. Try checking off exercise days, book club meetings attended, or brain puzzles completed. Or try creating rewards like a new book, a new houseplant, or a special treat from a bakery for milestones you complete towards your goal.
Encourage Others and Create Accountability
Creating a friend group that is positive and encouraging for New Year’s goal achievements can be a great way to keep accountability high while also keeping it fun. Host friend get-togethers where you share your wins, talk about your new hobbies or activities, and cheer on successes.
If you are making a goal of attending classes or events, try talking with others in your group for accountability. Your spin class, yoga friends, book club members, or hobby group may help to keep you motivated and excited to attend meetings. Setting New Year’s goals can be fun and rewarding. Try getting creative with your goals, and set reasonable, attainable milestones for accountability and for a feeling of accomplishment. With these easy steps, you can have a new routine or habit for the year ahead! Be sure to visit the CapTel blog for more ideas.
