Motivation is often at an all-time high as the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, but, once January has been and gone, those fierce resolutions may have disappeared into thin air, too.
Research by the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania shows a meagre eight per cent of us achieve the new year goals we set for ourselves. But while our best intentions may have faded over time in the past, this year it’s time to get serious. ‘The new year is a great time to start afresh. When we clear out the wrapping paper, Christmas tree and decorations, we can also clear out our bad habits. Psychologically, we feel a sense of a “new start”, which is a great motivator,’ says yoga expert and wellbeing coach Danielle Collins (faceyogaexpert.com). No matter how big or small your goal, we want to help you commit to your plans and succeed.
Here are 5 ways to stay committed:
Have a vision
You are the ruler of your own destiny. So, first things first, take time out to think about what you want from life. ‘A vision board is a great way of understanding what you really want out of life. Collect photos, pictures and words from newspapers, magazines and the internet. Everything you collect should represent your perfect life and the way you want to be as a person. You will be much clearer about where you want to be in your life. Also, when your dream life is there in front of you, you may even be surprised how much more achievable it all seems,’ says Danielle.
Learn from the past
Don’t even think about throwing in the towel if you have a slip-up – it’s all about focusing your energy on positives. ‘Take time to reflect on why you’re doing what you’re doing, and what could keep you on track,’ says success strategist Simon Alexander Ong (simonalexanderong.com). When your motivation hits rock bottom, don’t get disheartened. A good way to stay motivated is to keep a regular achievement diary, which you can refer to in order to get back on course. ‘Write at the top of a piece of paper “What I Am Most Proud Of”,’ says Danielle. ‘At each of your goal milestones, write down what you have achieved. Even if it is not one of your original goals, still just write it down. This is guaranteed to motivate you moving forward,’ she adds.
Act fast
If you’re ready to make a change in your life, don’t wait for tomorrow – now’s the time to make a real difference. But remember, your life won’t suddenly transform overnight – making a change takes time and commitment. ‘Get an A4 sheet of paper and write down these four titles: My One Month Goal; My Three Month Goal; My Six Month Goal; My One Year Goal. Then go through each of these titles and underneath write down what you would like to achieve by these milestones. Try to make the goals measurable,’ says Danielle.
Keep your eyes on the prize
Your mindset is so important when it comes to success. ‘You can have all the resources and guidance available to you, but, at the end of the day, what turns those into results is you,’ says Simon. And this comes from the mindset that you cultivate. ‘Are you someone who accepts that it is you who is responsible or quick to blame and find excuses? By having a success mindset, you are committing to being the best version of yourself that you can be and being humble enough to learn and develop through feeding your mind. It’s the difference between asking yourself “Why doesn’t it work for me?” and “What do I need to do to make sure I get results from this?”’ he adds.
Get a friend on board
Chat to your family, friends or colleagues who are on a similar track to stay motivated. ‘You want to be around other people who are health conscious and who will support you on your journey,’ says Simon. Try to keep a close eye on one another’s progress via daily texts, calls, emails or tweets and celebrate how far you’ve come. ‘Studies show we are more likely to stick to exercise and eating plans when we have company. So, speak to your nearest and dearest about your goals and see who seems keen to do it with you,’ adds Danielle. Get those cheerleaders on board!
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