When making New Year’s Resolutions or just goals in general, my number one mistake is making goals that are out of the ballpark huge. For example, am I really going to go to the gym seven days every single week? The answer is a definite and capitalized NO. Another time I made it my goal to read all the great literary classics like Ulysses, Anna Karenina and 1984, over the summer. I didn’t even make it through one classic novel in the three months.
I have learned that the key to sticking to a resolution is making one that you can really accomplish. Say you’re a C-average student and you want to improve your GPA. Don’t set your goal at getting a 4.0 next semester. Instead, set your goal as completing assignments on time, going professors during office hours or going to the tutoring center. If you make a realistic goal, you’re much more likely to stick to it.
Here is how you do it:
1. Make Small Goals Along the Way
Another important part of achieving a goal is making small goals that add up to your final goal. This year, my resolution is to exercise more and eat better. I’ve set small goals such as beginning with running only one mile at the gym and will work my way up to 10 miles. When you achieve your small goals, the big goal will seem a little less looming.
2. Make yourself accountable.
Sometimes we need more than our own sheer self-motivation to stick to a resolution. I know I certainly do. So make yourself accountable to those around you. Tell you mom to call you once a week and ask how your goal is coming along. Ask your roommates to encourage you in your goal. Simply having others around you to remind you of your resolution will give you the extra motivation it takes to stick to it.
This year, reach your goal by creating a realistic one–that is, one that seems achievable and maybe even enjoyable. Good luck!
