New Year, New Resolutions: How to Follow Through

Personal Growth

January 16, 2022

Mostly everybody has a New Year's resolution that they are hoping to achieve. Whether it be challenging themselves to eat healthily or learn a new skill, many are holding themselves to high expectations in 2022. Nevertheless, it's no secret that people struggle with motivating themselves to put their goal(s) into action.

Within a few days, a large handful of people flat out stop working towards their New Year's resolution. So, how do you continue to work to achieve your 2022 goals? Keep reading and you'll discover some tips to help you on your resolution journey.

It's Never Too Late

Even if you fail to follow your New Year's resolution for a week or two, it's never too late to try again. Sticking to your goals is difficult for everyone. Remember, you are not alone.

A countless number of others are working to achieve their goals as well, and struggling to hold yourself accountable is an inevitable obstacle. If you catch yourself falling off track, simply get back on track. By having the mindset that it's never too late to pursue your 2022 goals, you will find it easier to meet your definition of success for the New Year.

Are Your Goals Realistic?

If your New Year's resolution is too unrealistic and unachievable, you are setting yourself up for failure. In fact, expecting yourself to achieve overwhelming goals that are seemingly out of reach can disincentivize you from reaching your goals. By ensuring that your goals for the year are manageable, you will not only feel more inclined to hold yourself accountable, but it will also push you to think deeply about what you want for yourself.

Plan Ahead

Let's say your goal for the New Year is to run a mile every morning. Going to bed late and waking up feeling groggy will not be helpful to your journey. Strive to set yourself up for success. Ask yourself the question, "What steps do I need to take to be able to achieve my goal?" Though answering this question may require lots of careful thought, it is undoubtedly essential to reaching your goals.

Remind Yourself of The "Why" Behind Your Goal

The best motivation to achieve your goals is reminding yourself of your "why." In other words, why do you want to achieve your goals? What is the significance of your goal? What is the positive impact that your goal will have on your life? If you experience trouble understanding your "why," push yourself to reflect more on your goal.

Acknowledge The Small Wins

Throughout your journey to accomplish your New Year's resolution, make sure to take time to acknowledge your successes, no matter how big or small. It is important to recognize the progress you are making, as seeing positive change will motivate you to keep working towards your goals. For instance, if your 2022 goal is to learn a new language, pat yourself on the back with every word or phrase you remember.

Have Good Intentions

If your New Year's resolutions are set for the wrong reasons, you will face easily avoidable difficulty succeeding. Do not have resolutions that are meant to make others happy. Your resolution for the New Year should solely be to better yourself and your life. Having good intentions relates directly to your "why." In order to have an authentic "why," your intentions must be for the right reasons.

Remain Positive Throughout It All

Though you may not be making the progress that you want to be making, any progress at all is good progress. Instead of kicking yourself down for not achieving your goal at the pace that you hoped for, remind yourself to keep going. Fill your mind with positive self-talk. Pushing yourself to remain in a positive headspace is essential.

Enjoy The Process

Let's go back to the example of the New Year's resolution of running daily. If you do not truly enjoy running, it may be time to reconsider your goal for the year. It is completely unrealistic to run every morning if you do not take pleasure in the process. Rather, choose a goal that will make the process of chasing after your resolution fun and exciting.

Whatever your New Year's resolution may be, these tips will assist you during your journey to reach your goals for the year. Sticking to a goal is a challenge, but one that can easily be overcome if approached with the right mindset. Be patient with yourself and remind yourself that facing obstacles is just as important as the end result.

Sophene Avedissian
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Sophene Avedissian is a sophomore in high school. She writes for her school newspaper, Spyglass, the Los Angeles Times High School Insider, and the Youth Civics Initiative. During her free time, Sophene enjoys reading, playing soccer, and spending time with family and friends.

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