Step 1:

Really assess whether the resolutions you have set align with your values. There is no point trying to achieve a goal that does not really fit with who you are. Brene Brown has a good list of values at Dare to Lead | List of Values – Brené Brown (brenebrown.com). It may be useful to go through this list to really define the direction you want to take in life, and to work out which values you prioritize over others.

Step 2:

Ensure that your resolutions are suitable, SMART goals. SMART goals must be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely. The more specific a goal is the better able you are to know exactly what you want to achieve and steps to do it. It needs to be measurable so that you can see when you are making progress and when you have reached the goal. It needs to be achievable and realistic – there is no point trying to aim for something that is unrealistic and can’t be done, you will just become deflated and give up. If this is the case then try to break down the goal into more realistic pieces so you may get closer to achieving part of the goal. The goal needs to be timely in the sense that there is a final date of when the goal will be achieved. This gives a greater sense of control and also some accountability as to when you will do it.

Step 3:

Action steps. Choose one goal and identify action steps you can take right now to move closer to this goal. It is always best to write these down on paper and plan for when, exactly, you will take these steps. Record the steps you take to give accountability and to gain a sense of accomplishment along the way. There is nothing like being able to cross things off a list!

Take one action step right now and describe what happened. Are you getting a sense of achievement? Is this spurring you on to take the next step towards your resolution? Did you encounter a set back? If so, try to work a way around it or continue on with the next step if possible.

Step 4:

When you are trying to do something new, or do something in a new way, there are going to be times when you crave not to do it, or to do something the old way. This will happen. Whether you are starting to exercise more and want to stay home instead, or you are trying to be nicer to people but someone is really annoying you, this is when you need to urge surf. Figure out what the unhelpful urge is and try to sit with it and let it pass without acting on it. Urge surfing is a mindfulness technique, Racheal Kable describes her need for it quite well in her blog How to Use Urge Surfing to Break Unhelpful Habits | by Rachael Kable | Better Humans

Step 5:

The final step is to make sure you congratulate yourself on progress you have made. Yes there are going to be hard times where you might slip up, but don’t beat yourself up about it, try to pick yourself up, resolve to do better and continue on. Then treat yourself and feel proud of any progress. You can even draw up a chart showing the steps achieved to get closer to your goal. This will both make you feel proud of yourself and also give you more motivation to continue with your goals.

These steps can be applied to goals set at any time of year, but for a large part of the population we tend to try to set goals / resolutions at the start of the year. If you do slip up do think that you have “blown it” for the year. Every day is a new opportunity.

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About the Author

Sally is a home organisation and budgeting expert with a passion for helping families take the stress out of everyday tasks by creating simple, efficient and cost-effective processes. Her strategies can result in more time and energy being available to spend time doing what you love. Sally is a quiet budgeting queen, home organisation specialist, wife, mother, animal-loving mathematician and so much more.