Need a little extra help staying motivated and on top of your new year resolutions? The Martlet has you covered
Photo by Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash.
New year, new me. Time to finally get in shape. This time I mean it.
How many times have you or has someone you know said this heading into the new year, only to give up on all those big goals by mid-January?
Setting goals is easy, but following through and actually achieving what you set out to do can feel impossible at times. No matter what your goals are, they can always be accomplished to some extent when approached properly. Here are a few tips on how to make sure you reach your full potential this New Year.
Set realistic goals
I’m gonna get shredded by summer. I’ll be fully vegan and healthy from now on. A six-minute mile will be easy.
Nothing is more demotivating than setting an unrealistic goal and immediately giving up on it when you don’t get it done in a few days.
Start small. Set a goal that you know you’ll be able to accomplish. Hitting milestones can be addicting, so once you hit your first goal, it’s only a matter of time until you snowball into becoming an unstoppable machine of productivity.
Track your progress
One of the best ways to stay motivated when it comes to completing goals is being able to look back and see how far you’ve come. With how popular self-deprecation is, it’s easy to fall into the habit of downplaying your accomplishments. This doesn’t mean you should be constantly bragging about everything you do, but just remember to be proud of yourself.
When working toward a goal every day, the incremental changes can become hard to see. Keeping track of your progress gives you a means of staying motivated by looking back and seeing just how much you’re really capable of. Take those physique photos, document the new recipes you try, keep a log of all the books you read. You might just surprise yourself.
Find what’s fun
Unless you’re a full-on masochist, there’s no reason why bettering yourself can’t be a fun experience. Enjoying something is a sure-fire way to stay consistent with it.
If your goal is to be more active, find a sport or physical activity that you can have a good time doing. Intramural sports are a way to not only get moving, but also meet new people. Trying to eat healthier? Take the time to cook some meals for yourself that are both tasty and nutritious. Wanting to cut down on screen time? Find a tangible form of entertainment to keep you busy.
Remember why you’re really doing it
At the end of the day, it’s important to remember why you’re really doing any of this. The real goal isn’t to lose that 15 pounds or get better grades, but instead to have the satisfaction that you were able to put your mind to something and actually achieve it.
Even if you don’t finish what you set out to do, be proud of yourself. Trying to better yourself is just as commendable as finishing goals X, Y, and Z. Remember why you’re trying to make a change in the first place, and don’t compare your own progress to that of anyone else.
