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3 Simple Strategies to Achieve Your New Year’s Resolutions

As the year comes to a close, people start setting resolutions for the new year. From getting healthier to saving money or devoting time to self-care, setting goals is a great way to start off the new year. But, as you probably know, sticking to your resolutions can be challenging. Here are some tips and tricks to help you reach your goals. 

Set Yourself up for Success

Reaching your goals is easier when you have a plan of action to get there. Setting yourself up for success is key to making your New Year’s resolutions stick this time. 

1. Align Your Goals With Your Strengths and Current Behavior 

Be honest with yourself when setting action steps to reach your goal and work them into your current strengths and behaviors. If you want to run 2 miles every day, but you’re not a morning person, don’t work against yourself and plan to run each morning before work. Instead, jog in the evenings when you’re more productive and motivated.

2. Build Habits

In his best-selling book Atomic Habits, James Clear recommends creating systems to build small habits that get you to your goal. Start with one action until it becomes a habit, then stack another new habit on top of that one. If your goal is to lose 20 pounds, ask yourself how you’ll do it. 

Some steps you could take one at a time are:

• Having fruit and precut veggies ready to snack on
• Meal prepping once a week 
• Keeping healthy food in the house  

3. Hold Yourself Accountable

Sometimes, all it takes is having someone else holding you accountable to give you the extra push you need to keep going. 

• Ask a family member or friend if they’ll be your accountability buddy. Tell them your goal and the steps you’ll take to get there. 
• Join a Facebook group that shares your same goals. Not only will they keep you accountable, but learning from their tips and tricks can help keep you motivated. 
• Track your progress from day one. This can help you see if your plan is working or if you need to update your action steps. 
• Celebrate your victories. No matter how small, you need to give yourself credit for each small win. Rewarding yourself can help you stay motivated as you work towards reaching your goal.