ABCs of achievable new year resolutions

Just like that, 2019 is over and the start of a new year is the perfect time to turn a new page, which is probably why so many people create new year resolutions.

It is the time to take inventory of gains and losses and a time where most people embark on having resolutions; however, many start but fail to finish or make the supposed changes they had envisioned. 

Joel Kobia, a life coach, insists that resolutions ought to be made any time a person feels they have to make decisions that affect their lives.

That people opt to make resolutions at the beginning of the year make it boring.

“Any need that calls for your attention draws for the creation of new policies, and people should create them without procrastination,” he notes.

Visual cue

The more pleasant they are, the more likely you are to carry them out. For instance, if you are planning to start working out, buying a new pair of sneakers or a colourful water bottle will give you the morale to continue.

One can also create visual cue to always remind them of something that you need to change or start. Start first by creating a board or poster comprising of all the things that you have chosen to work on during the year.

You can print some images online, cut pictures from magazines to evoke your objectives. Once you cut them, place them on a piece of paper or cardboard to assist you in picturing them in your mind more vividly.

According to researchers, holding an image in your mind consequently results in a longer effect in terms of change of behaviour because images follow a different path than words and languages.

One can also use repetition to unlock their goal which results in tricking your brain into creating a new routine. 

“Wake up early in the morning, jot down your resolution daily and read it out loud to ensure it is on top of your mind,” he adds. 

But before making all those resolutions, Kobia advises one to discover their life’s purpose first and ensure everything they do hinges upon it.

“Clarify ‘the why’ of your resolutions. Do not come up with goals for the sake of coming up with goals. Work on your priorities,” he says.

Further, ensure the resolution is something you are passionate about. Most people make resolutions on something they dread instead of what they are in love with.

For instance, instead of the usual exercising more or finding a suitable diet plan, one can make a resolution on something like travelling, reading novels or even having a kitchen garden that they have always wanted.  

Individuals also need to ensure they set one goal at a time to avoid being overwhelmed by too many of them.

Narrowing down goals assists you to focus , thus increasing chances of succeeding. In the end, reward yourself for finishing your goals. 

“Identify the low hanging fruits. Start from the known to the unknown. Begin from where you are instead of waiting for what you don’t have before you can start your mission.

Always have consistent reviews to help you analyse the work you have done.

Keep on tracking your progress daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, half yearly and annually as this will help you bring in any modifications as early as possible,” advises Kobia.

Smart goals

 Upon achieving a set number of goals, come up with higher ones. Let your success celebration not become a stumbling block to your next set of goals.

Ensure that all goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time bound (SMART). Effective goals should stretch and disrupt your comfort zones.

Importantly, ensure you assess your core strengths so that your goals do not conflict with them or else you’ll struggle. 

“If possible, identify appropriate accountability partners for your various resolutions. For each area, pick an individual who is able to sharpen you in its realisation. Someone walking the same path.

Permit them to correct and rebuke you. Ensure to celebrate each mark of progress with you,” Kobia explains.

Last but not least, forgive yourself if you slip. While its good to be persistent with your vision and goals, always keep in mind that you’ll miss the mark and when you do, get back again and keep walking because you are human.