There’s a school of thought that says that you shouldn’t try to start a new habit or way of life in January. It’s the wrong time of year to motivate yourself and it’s always going to be a bit of an uphill struggle. It’s difficult to be virtuous and stick to new regimes when the mornings are cold and dark and the evenings are much the same. That said there is something about getting out a new diary and seeing the new year open up that makes us want to make some positive changes in our life. So if you feel your motivation is strong enough, it’s well worth going for it anyway. The worst that can happen is that you don’t succeed in keeping it going, but you can always try again in the spring.
Making a new year’s resolution is a great way to make a positive change in your life, whether it’s getting in the gym or going for that promotion.
However, it’s very rare you’ll keep your resolutions for the whole year. In fact, according to studies, approximately 80% of resolutions fail by the second week of February meaning the odds are against you.
To maximise your chances of not giving up, try these top tips to help set achievable goals and secure success in 2022.
Reflect on 2021
Whilst we’re all excited to move on from this year of change and uncertainty, it’s always useful to take some time to review the past 12 months and all its events. Reflecting on what happened, what you accomplished and what could have been done better will bring closure to the year and also provide the space for valuable learning.
Set achievable goals
Once you’ve taken stock of the past year, it’s important to set achievable goals. Big or small, goals give us purpose and, like a compass, keep us headed in the right direction. Studies show that visualisation – or the practice of seeing a goal as already complete – helps to manifest success by improving motivation, concentration, and performance. Remember, if you can see it – then you can achieve it.
Commit to being accountable
You can have the greatest idea in the world and be brimming with talent and ambition, but unless you actually take steps to put those concepts to the test, you’ll never know if you’ll succeed or not. That’s why it’s so important to find ways to hold yourself accountable. Accountability keeps you striving toward your goals and reaching for your dreams. Accountability accelerates your performance by helping you make consistent, steady progress.
Understand what motives you
Holding yourself accountable means having a crystal-clear reason why this goal is important to you. How will accomplishing this goal improve your life or the lives of others? What is the value and purpose of this objective? Your accountability to your goal will be improved if you understand your motivations.
Motivation is subjective, meaning that different people will be motivated by different things, depending on what their goals and values are. Some people may be motivated by money, others by praise, some even fear. Whatever it is, it doesn’t matter. What’s important is understanding what it is, and how to harness it.
Don’t forget to recharge
Success doesn’t happen overnight. Achieving your goals requires continuous energy, focus and productivity. On the days when you are tired, frustrated and struggling for motivation, there are helpful supplements you can take to re-energize and perform at your best. For example, B Vitamins and guarana have been shown to boost energy, whilst adaptogens, such as ashwagandha, are known to clear your mind and improve your concentration.
Leave a Reply