Resolution to Result: Kickstarting 2021

Happy new year! From popping the champagne, to reflecting on the year that passed, to the countdown, welcoming in a new year will forever be symbolic of a fresh start.

If you’re like most people, it’s probable that you’ve made a new year’s resolution. Something to improve on, a bad habit to stop, or a new daily routine, perhaps. January 1st rolls around, and you’re filled with a newfound sense of excitement and control over the next 365 days.

But how long does the motivation normally last? Research claims that after under 2 weeks, most resolutions fade away. In fact, January 12th 20XX has been crowned the “fateful day of new year’s resolutions” - the date you’re most likely to give up!

2020 has been, by many standards, a very challenging year. How can you make sure you maximize 2021? With lots of opportunity, and a blank slate ahead, here are a few tips to ensure that you keep your resolutions - and create meaningful results!

1. Make it SMART

Keep your resolutions and goals Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely - avoid vagueness and ensure it’s possible for you!

Specific: Is it descriptive? Do you provide enough detail to frame a clear plan of action? Did you use “action words”?

Measurable: Do you have a way to evaluate your success? How will you keep track of your progress?

Attainable: Is the goal within your reach? Is it possible to achieve your goal given the current circumstances? Do you have all of the tools you need to succeed?

Relevant: Does it make sense for you to work towards this goal?

Timely: When do you anticipate completing the goal by?

2. Hold yourself accountable

Ensure you’re staying on top of your goals! Write them down (perhaps somewhere you can see them every morning to remind you), check in with a friend to keep you on track (it could be that you are both working towards the same thing), and be your own supervisor! YOU are the only one in charge of your success; and you have the potential to achieve your goals. Stay on track, you can do it!

3. Adapt, adapt, adapt

As the year goes on, you’ll change and grow - so will your goals! It’s OKAY if you decide you want to adjust your goal (make it larger, smaller, scrap it or start a new one) during the process. Be open to adapting as your life adapts!

4. Stay motivated

Remind yourself why you are doing what you are doing! Create a vision board, write down your thoughts in a journal, or create a list of reasons why you started the goal. It’s normal to feel demotivated at times, so remaining focused on the mission will ensure you don’t veer off track.

5. Reward yourself for small progress

Every step counts! Celebrating the little things will give you a small boost of motivation to push you towards the next step. Rewards can be anything from a walk in your neighborhood, to calling your friend or watching one episode of your favorite TV show. Before you know it, you’ll be closer to achieving your goal!

Hopefully these tips will help you to kickstart your 2021 - remember, you got this!