Welcoming a New You in the New Year

You begin the New Year with a fresh, new feeling. 

You make plans for yourself and promise that you will actually follow through this year. 

Then, life gets in the way and things don’t go as planned.  You get discouraged, and possibly give up.  “I’ll do better next year.” 

Sound familiar?  Not this year!  Incorporate the following tips into your daily routine and you will end this year feeling accomplished, motivated and with a smile. 

Are you ready?  Let’s go…

1. Creating Your Goals

   Step number one in reaching your goals is to create attainable goals.  

   There are most likely many things you feel you should accomplish this year, and choosing the right ones will put you on the path to success. 

   Instead of making your list full of “I should’s” – create a list of things you truly want this year.  You will be much more likely to succeed with accomplishing the things you desperately want.

   NEXT STEPS:
   How many goals can you set out to accomplish comfortably, without over-extending yourself? What do you want most out of the year ahead?

2. Write Your Goals Down

   With the previous tip in mind, start compiling your list of what you want to accomplish this year.  Write it on a piece of paper that can be placed on your refrigerator, which will keep it in your sight year round. 

   Remember…don’t overextend yourself. 

   While there may be 20 things you want to get done this year, start with a short and reasonable list.

   NEXT STEPS:
   What are your top 5 goals for the upcoming year?  List them out on paper and keep them somewhere visible.

3. Tell Other’s About Your Goals

   Accountability will be a key factor in your success.  Tell your friends and family about your goals.  Ask a few of them to check in with you periodically to see how you’re doing with your list.

   And be honest.  Tell them the truth when they ask.  If you haven’t been on track as planned, this is a fabulous opportunity to reevaluate and devise a new plan of action to reach your goals.

   Trial and error is a normal part of this process.  The first plan you make may not work out as you hoped, which gives you an opportunity to find the right path for your optimal level of success.

   NEXT STEPS:
   Who will you tell about your goals to hold you accountable?  How often will you have them check in with you to see how your goals are going? Who would be the best collaborator to help you come up with a new plan of action, if needed? 

4. Take It One Step At A Time

   When beginning your goals, try starting out with baby steps.  Maybe your goal is to lose 20 pounds. Instead of changing your diet completely overnight, decide to add in one healthy food this week. 

   These “baby steps” will help you ease into reaching your goals and will successfully begin new habits. 

   Change is a process, not a race.  Pace yourself for success!

   NEXT STEPS:
   What are three small steps you can take this week to get on your desired path?

5. Give Yourself a Break

   If part of your plan doesn’t seem to be working out as you hoped – don’t fret.  Ask yourself why your goal route isn’t panning out, and see where the faults lie in your course of action. 

   It could be as simple as re-planning your goal to fit your schedule better.  Allow yourself some wiggle room to figure out what works best for you. 

   NEXT STEPS:
   What is your plan of action of how to tackle getting off track?
   In what ways can you keep your positivity when things don’t go as planned.

6. Think Positively

   It sounds simple, but thinking positively is so powerful.  Keep a positive mindset this year as you’re on your journey.

   Positive affirmations are a great way to begin your day. 

   Write down some of your favorite affirmations on sticky notes to post in your bathroom mirror.  Say them aloud to yourself each morning as you begin to take on your new day.

   NEXT STEPS:
   What are 5 things you are grateful for in your life at this very moment? Keeping a gratitude journal is an incredible way to keep a positive and grateful mindset.

7. Do Yoga or Meditation

   Commit to breathing exercises and/or yoga this year as you are working to reach your goals.

   These relaxation techniques will help curb your stress. 

   Stress is a big contributing factor in not reaching goals – so having the upper hand on stress will help you continue on your path to reaching your goals.

   NEXT STEPS:
   What are 5 techniques that relax you most?  (hot bath, yoga, breathing exercises, etc)
   Incorporate these into your schedule to keep your stress levels at bay.

8. Get Help
   

   Having your friends and family hold you accountable is helpful, but having a personal Coach to assist you along your journey is priceless.

   Coaches are trained to assist you in reaching your goals and attaining an optimal level of health and happiness. 

   NEXT STEPS:
   How would your life improve or be different if you reached your goals this year?  What would it mean to you have help in achieving these goals?