As we approach another year, I can’t help but reflect on how quickly time has passed. It feels like just yesterday we were welcoming the new year, and now here we are, already heading into 2022! This past year has certainly been full of ups and downs, as we’ve all faced challenges bigger than ourselves. But through it all, I hope you’ve remained strong, continued pushing forward, and kept your dreams alive.
The new year often brings a wave of motivation and the desire to set new goals. But let’s be honest—resolutions can feel like a heavy burden. They come with a lot of pressure, and when we don’t meet them, it can be discouraging. The truth is, there’s no need for perfection. The beauty of setting goals is that you can always start over. Every day is an opportunity to try again, and once you achieve one goal, new ones can take its place. Today, I want to share some simple tips that have helped me stay on track with my resolutions, and I hope they inspire you too.
Tip 1: Start Small and Be Realistic
One of the most important things I’ve learned when setting goals is to be realistic. Instead of jumping in with a grand plan that’s hard to maintain, I find that starting small is key. Let’s say you’ve set a goal to work out more, but the thought of committing to an hour-long workout every day feels overwhelming. Don’t worry—start with just 10 or 20 minutes. Aim for two or three times a week and gradually increase the duration as you get comfortable. Over time, that 10-minute workout will feel like second nature, and you’ll find yourself easily reaching the hour-long goal you initially set. This approach applies to any type of goal you want to set. It’s about making incremental progress, and those little victories eventually add up to something bigger.
Tip 2: Create a Pro’s and Con’s List
A technique that I swear by is writing down a pro’s and con’s list to help me stay grounded. Sometimes, we don’t realize what’s working for us and what’s hindering our progress until we see it laid out in front of us. When I create this list, I note the things that motivate me, as well as those that tend to hold me back. For example, if I’m trying to stick to a healthier eating plan, I might list the benefits of eating clean (more energy, better skin) alongside the temptations (eating out, unhealthy snacks). Having these visual reminders helps me stay focused and recognize the patterns that work in my favor. Whenever I feel myself slipping, I refer back to this list to remind myself of why I started in the first place.
Tip 3: Patience is Key
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither are lasting habits. It’s easy to feel frustrated when we don’t see immediate results, but what I’ve learned is that patience is essential. It takes around two months to form a new habit and about six months for it to become a part of who you are. So don’t get discouraged if the changes aren’t happening as quickly as you’d like. Keep trying, and remember that persistence is the key. The more consistently you show up for yourself, the more likely it is that those goals will become a part of your lifestyle. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress.
Tip 4: Use Reminders to Stay on Track
Life gets busy, and sometimes it’s easy to forget the small, but important things. That’s where post-it notes come in. I keep little reminders all over the place—on my fridge, on my vanity, in my planner. Simple things like “Drink water,” “Take your vitamins,” or “Journal” are visual cues that help me stay focused. These notes are like tiny nudges to remind me of the self-care practices that are part of my overall well-being. I also like to leave positive affirmations for myself, which can help shift my mindset if I’m having a particularly challenging day.
Bonus Tip: Enjoy the Journey
Above all, remember that creating and achieving goals isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating a life that you enjoy. It’s okay to take breaks, to have off days, and to embrace the small wins. For example, maybe you only managed a 10-minute workout instead of the full hour, or you skipped your daily meditation session. Don’t beat yourself up about it! Enjoy the journey, and give yourself grace. After all, we’re all human, and no one’s perfect. The goal is to move forward, not to be perfect. Celebrate the little victories along the way and embrace the flexibility that comes with setting intentions, rather than rigid resolutions.
In the end, resolutions are about setting the stage for the life we want to create. So, don’t stress over the timeline, the setbacks, or the imperfections. Instead, focus on making progress, however small it may seem. After all, it’s the small, consistent steps that lead to lasting change.
Here’s to a new year full of growth, self-compassion, and endless possibilities.
