In less than a week 2020 will make its big debut (ball drop and all!) A new year always inspires thoughts of new resolutions, goals, and dreams. Recently, I wrote about mommy self-care tips for the new year. Today, I want to share with you my tips for keeping your resolutions in 2020.

“Hope. Smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering ‘it will be happier’…” -Alfred Lord Tennyson

Tips For Keeping Your Resolutions in 2020

Be Realistic

If you set a goal that is unattainable, you are setting yourself up for failure. It can be so tempting (especially after some celebratory champagne) to set grandiose resolutions for the New Year. Less stress is always a goal for my New Year, so I try to make my resolutions on the smaller side.

The goal, “I’m going to lose 75 lbs and not ever gain weight again,” sounds great. However, it might not be realistic for you. Instead of focusing on a specific number, focus on making life changes. For example, “I am going to make healthier food choices in the New Year.” Then you aren’t setting yourself up for failure if you don’t hit the number amount you were hoping for. You want to feel successful in your New Year plans so remember to be realistic.

Don’t Go Overboard

Start with just one goal because you don’t want to feel overwhelmed. You can always add more goals throughout the year. You don’t want to spread yourself too thin. If you pick one big resolution, you can give it your full attention. This sets you on a path for success.

Plan, Plan, and Plan Some More!

If you want to succeed you need to plan. Don’t wait until the last minute to really start thinking about how you want to attack this resolution. If you don’t have a gameplan you might find yourself being tempted to give up every time an obstacle arises.

Start by writing down your goal or goals. Once you have the big decision made, start writing down ways you can reach these goals. You might even want to brainstorm different things that could happen that might make your resolutions more difficult to reach. This could include ways to face the temptation of skipping that early morning workout if exercise or weight loss is your goal for the New Year. If you are already mentally prepared you are more likely to work through the challenges and still make it to the finish line.

Avoid Repeating Past Resolutions

Avoid repeating past resolutions. This might sound like I am telling you to give up, but I’m not. If you have failed at succeeding at a certain goal, year after year then maybe you need to reevaluate. People need to have a belief in themselves. So if you continue to pick a resolution that you have failed at then it is going to affect your self-confidence. However, instead of giving up on that goal completely maybe you need to approach it from a different way. Look back over the ways that worked or didn’t work for you when you were trying to attain this goal. Come up with a new gameplan or make the goal smaller and break it into steps. Baby steps can lead to greatness.

Divide and Conquer

It’s is extremely important to break goals down into manageable parts. Keep the big picture in mind, but create small goals that can act as stepping stones for the big finish. For example, if your goal is to make healthier choices you could say, “I will go running once a week.” This is small, attainable, and definitely helps you reach your big goal.

Breaking up your main goal and setting time frames can really aid in your motivation. I know that I feel much more motivated if I have a deadline. Utilize a calendar or journal to map out a timeline for each step of the goal.

Talk About It and Ask For Help

Don’t keep your resolutions a secret. Talking about it with your friends and family can be super beneficial. When you let your friends and family in on your goals, you are automatically setting yourself up with a tribe of people that can motivate you and help you reach your goals. You want someone to be able to hold you accountable or go workout with you when your phone starts making that awful noise way too early in the morning. Having a solid support system can be crucial to your success.

Track Your Progress and Reward Yourself

Remember to track your progress and reward yourself. However, I don’t mean you get to eat a whole box of Oreos if you lose those first few pounds. Maybe buy yourself a new shirt or a night out with your spouse? Just remember to be cautious with your rewards because you don’t want them to undo any of the progress you have made so far. Seeing the progress you are making can be a huge motivator to keep going.

Don’t Beat Yourself Up

This is life and life can get crazy. Let’s be honest, no matter how much you plan sometimes things are still going to happen that you just can’t see coming and you will never be prepared for.

For example, this past year I had started the year 35 pounds lighter and I had every intention to keep going. However, I didn’t plan on breaking my foot or my Daddy passing away which triggered my anxiety and depression. I gained every pound back. This year my goal is to lose weight again and I know I can do it because I already did. I just have to do the work. Just remember that life will throw you curves and if you aren’t able to stick to your resolutions or you have to start them over, don’t beat yourself up.

Keep Trying

Don’t let life, the unexpected incidents, the hard work, or failures keep you from trying! Stick with it. Change isn’t going to happen overnight. Draw your strength from the pride of your past achievements and keep moving forward.

I wish you nothing but the best in the coming year. Hopefully, these tips for keeping your resolutions can aid you and inspire you to reach your goals for the New Year.

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31