New year, same you: How to set lasting goals

This week marks the beginning of a new year – 2015!  For many of us, the start of a new year brings up the expectation of resolutions.  I will admit that I have never liked the idea of New Year’s resolutions, for several reasons, mainly due to the disappointment that comes with failed resolutions.  Setting a goal on January 1st brings with it many expectations.  However, reaching our goals is a more gradual process, and arbitrarily setting a date on which to begin a path to the “new you” is not always the best way to go about making change in the upcoming year.

First, New Year’s Day is the dead of winter which may be one of the worst times to set new goals, at least for me.  Seriously, its impossible to motivate to do anything new when there is dirty snow on the ground and temperatures are below freezing.  Further, January 1st typically marks the end of a month full of parties, alcohol, heavy food and less exercise than usual.  If you want to jump-start a healthier lifestyle, it may be necessary to allow yourself sometime to recover from the excess of December.  New Year’s Day is an especially difficult time to jumpstart new health goals since many are stressed or may be traveling for the holidays.

That said, I always think it’s a great idea to set realistic goals if you want to have a healthier lifestyle.  Whether you do this on January 1st or another time of the year, here are some steps to follow for goal setting.

1. Be realistic with your goals.  If you want to start running in 2015, perhaps make your goal running a 5K, not a marathon.  While it is important to reach high, it is also necessary to set goals that are actually attainable.  Think about what you want to achieve and what your limitations may be to come up with truly realistic goals.

2. Start small by setting intentions and finding action steps to move towards a specific goal.  Try to work on those steps regularly and you will find yourself on your path towards your desired result.  By breaking down the goal into smaller steps, it will be easier to make (and track) your progress.

3. Make sure your goal is measurable.  Rather than saying “I want to work out more in 2015,” try “I want to run 3 times a week in 2015.”  This way, it is easier to keep track of your progress.  If you have a time frame for your goal and your progress, it will help you continue on your path.

4. Write down your goals and tell your family and friends.  This makes it more likely that you will stick to your goals.  Better yet, find a partner or someone else who can keep you accountable.   Having proper support is one of the best ways to reach your goals.

5. Chose a start date for when you want to start making changes.  It does not have to be January 1st.  Also, be sure  to give yourself time limitations so that your goal isn’t open-ended.

6. Be kind to yourself.  If you don’t reach your goals in the specific time period, you can always try again or change your goals to be more in line with what you are able to accomplish.   Lasting change takes a while and people rarely turn over a new leaf overnight.  Accept failure and keep trying!  Eventually you WILL reach your goals.

This year, instead of making New Year’s resolutions, chose a specific, realistic goal that can change your life and simply go for it!

Big thanks to all of my wonderful readers for being a part of this blog in 2014.  Happy New Year!