As 2014 draws to a close and the start of a New Year creeps in, it’s hard to avoid the topic of New Years resolutions. Even harder is avoiding the statistic that 92% of all New Years resolutions fail. It’s not that everyone has bad intentions or a lack of will power, it’s more often that we set unrealistic goals or don’t employ the necessary tactics to help us reach our goals throughout the year. Here are 5 tips for helping you set & achieve your New Years resolutions in 2015.
Think glass half full: Instead of thinking about what you are giving up, reframe your mindset and think about what you will gain from reaching your goals. For example, if your goal involves weight loss, instead of thinking about all of the comfort foods you will be giving up, thinking about all the new foods and recipes you will get to try, the clothes you will be able to fit into and the increased energy you will have to play with your kids.
Be specific: A lot of us end up giving up our New Year's resolutions because our goals are too vague or unclear. Instead of saying “lose weight”, set a specific number you’d like to hit on the scale. Instead of “staying better in touch with friends”, schedule time on your calendar when you are going to call them or write them a note.
Baby steps: This goes hand in hand with being specific. While it’s important to set tangible goals, it’s also important to set goals you can reach, or set multiple goals throughout the year and break it up in order to help you get to your final destination. For example, if your goal is to give up dairy, it might be easier to give up just one form of dairy at a time. On New Years Eve, tell yourself that you will use almond milk instead of half and half in your coffee or tea by February 1st. Once you’ve accomplished that, move on to cutting out cheese.
Get a buddy: There are few things more effective than having someone hold you accountable to your goals. Find a friend who also wants to set New Years resolutions and help keep each other on track. Schedule weekly check-ins and send each other messages of encouragement.
Time is on your side: Setting a New Years resolution doesn’t mean you have to accomplish your goal within the first month of the year. You have 12 months! Pace yourself and be patient.
Happy New Year!
Anya Kaats & Suja Juice
As 2014 draws to a close and the start of a New Year creeps in, it’s hard to avoid the topic of New Years resolutions. Even harder is avoiding the statistic that 92% of all New Years resolutions fail. It’s not that everyone has bad intentions or a lack of will power, it’s more often that we set unrealistic goals or don’t employ the necessary tactics to help us reach our goals throughout the year. Here are 5 tips for helping you set & achieve your New Years resolutions in 2015.
Think glass half full: Instead of thinking about what you are giving up, reframe your mindset and think about what you will gain from reaching your goals. For example, if your goal involves weight loss, instead of thinking about all of the comfort foods you will be giving up, thinking about all the new foods and recipes you will get to try, the clothes you will be able to fit into and the increased energy you will have to play with your kids.
Be specific: A lot of us end up giving up our New Year's resolutions because our goals are too vague or unclear. Instead of saying “lose weight”, set a specific number you’d like to hit on the scale. Instead of “staying better in touch with friends”, schedule time on your calendar when you are going to call them or write them a note.
Baby steps: This goes hand in hand with being specific. While it’s important to set tangible goals, it’s also important to set goals you can reach, or set multiple goals throughout the year and break it up in order to help you get to your final destination. For example, if your goal is to give up dairy, it might be easier to give up just one form of dairy at a time. On New Years Eve, tell yourself that you will use almond milk instead of half and half in your coffee or tea by February 1st. Once you’ve accomplished that, move on to cutting out cheese.
Get a buddy: There are few things more effective than having someone hold you accountable to your goals. Find a friend who also wants to set New Years resolutions and help keep each other on track. Schedule weekly check-ins and send each other messages of encouragement.
Time is on your side: Setting a New Years resolution doesn’t mean you have to accomplish your goal within the first month of the year. You have 12 months! Pace yourself and be patient.
Happy New Year!
Anya Kaats & Suja Juice
