New Year Resolutions - How to make sure you stick to it!

*Reposted from 26 December 2017

The year has started and many of us are already well into our New Year Resolution, but how do we make sure we stick to it if we really want to change or improve ourselves for 2018? Here’s three easy steps on how to make the most of our New Year Resolution and become a better YOU.

STEP ONE: SET REALISTIC GOALS.

Often we want to make a big change because we’re just not happy with ourselves, or we had a disappointing year before and we want this new year to be so much better. But how do make sure we come out of 2018 happier, healthier and prosperous? Make sure your goal is realistic. There’s not point saying you want to lose 20 kilos if you don’t have 20 kilos to lose! Set some realistic goals that will help you ‘transition’ towards your goal.

e.g. Eat healthier to lose weight, drink more water, schedule more ‘me’ time, walk more.

STEP TWO: PLAN HOW YOU WILL MAKE THIS HAPPEN.

Ever thought to yourself “I’m going to start my diet on Monday” and you get to Monday and you don’t have your meals planned? Planning is important in any situation whether you want to start a business, change careers or even focus on a better work-life balance. Here are some ideas on how to plan to succeed.

e.g. To eat healthier to lose weight, I’m going to plan to do the following:

1. Put together a meal plan each week so I know what to shop for on the weekend and prepare the meals beforehand.
2. I’m going to drink more water – so I’ll make sure I drink and refill up my 1L bottle twice a day at work.
3. I’m going to walk to and from work at least 3 times a week.
4. I will fast between 7pm and 7am everyday to help me reduce my calories.

STEP THREE: JUST DO IT.

Just like the Nike slogan, make sure you just do it – start your journey. Don’t keep pushing it off or making excuses for it. Be mentally prepared and be kind to yourself. Change and improvement takes time, enjoy the journey and reward yourself as you go. You can do this!

SOME IDEAS ON REALISTIC GOALS THAT WILL HELP YOU ON YOUR NEW ME JOURNEY FOR 2018.

• Aim to drink more water everyday
• Reduce your calories by not eating between 7pm and 7am
• Sign up for a new hobby to learn new skills
• Make less excuses
• Network for your career more
• Start a budget to save towards a reward
• Give back – find a charity you want to be apart of
• Reconnect with old friends
• Read more books
• Celebrate the little things (it’s all we have left when we get older!)