A sad report from University of Scranton suggests that about 45% Americans usually make New YearÕs resolutions, and yet only 8% actually achieve what they set out to do! It’s seems we all have a hard time following through and avoiding discouragement when it comes to keeping our resolutions alive – but never fear! 2015 is a new year and there’s still time to succeed with your goals.
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We’re only one month in, and there are still 11 months left to make your resolutions a reality. Here are some ways to ensure that you achieve what you set out to do by 2016.
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1. Understand your goals at their lowest denomination.
Remember how in the movie Inception, Cobb and Co had to plant the simplest version of the idea to break up Robert FisherÕs fatherÕs business empire in his mind for it to take hold? ThatÕs actually a great goal setting example! Overly complicated ideas and goals are seldom achieved because the path to achieving them tend to be too ambiguous enough to follow. What you need to do before you actually go about accomplishing your goals is to understand your goal desire for it fully, truly, inside and out. This is inspiration in a nutshell. Your desire to be fitter might be explained by your need to look like an MMA fighter for example. In other words, you will never become fitter just by thinking about being fit; you need a more intrinsic goal to keep pushing yourself to achieve it.
2. Keep it simple.
This is basically an extension of what is stated above, but is still deserving of its own spot because it is something we often miss. After you have decided what you want your goals to be in their simplest form, itÕs critical that you do not overthink them. A simple goes does not require an elaborate plan. Consider incorporating the KISS method (Keep It Simple Stupid) and start practicing it more. Instead of coming up with a long list of ideas, focus on just a few that you think are most important and then create your lifestyle around them.
3. DonÕt neglect your goal.
The problem with goals is that there is no universal strategy for achieving them. Different methods work for different people. Whatever you do, they key is not to neglect your goal. Remember, most new yearÕs resolutions are due to a lack of tenacity, not a lack of trying. As long as you are trying, and not sweeping your forgotten resolution under a rug, you are guaranteeing yourself a high chance of success.
Daily encouragements, reminders, and plans for what you want to accomplish can be helpful when pursuing your goal. Some people prefer to create lists and procedures, while others might feel too busy to follow one. Calendars might work with some people while vision boards might suit others.
Whatever your preference is, the idea is to ensure that you are constantly reminding yourself what your priorities are, so use whatever methods you are comfortable with. Maybe you put up pictures of inspiring figures relevant to your goals on your desk, maybe you write your goal out on your iPhone alarm so that you see it first thing when you wake up in the morning, or maybe you enlist a friend to text you once a week about it.
In conclusion, there are more than enough tips available online on goal setting strategies and they all have a similar core message: Set realistic, attainable goals and ensure that you are sufficiently and perpetually motivated to attain them.
If health is on your top priority then we invite you to try out Tidal Creek Co-op, one of the first health food stores in Wilmington. Good diet is of course an important component of any health and fitness regime, and nothing can beat farm fresh organic produce! The Co-op Caf and Hot Bar also offers healthy meals, along with nourishing juices and smoothies, when you need a quick bite to eat. Click here to see the smoothie and juice menu!
