5 Tips for maintaining your 2023 New Years Resolutions

Normally around this time of year we have all started setting goals, making vision boards and writing down our 12 month plan for the year to come. Some of us want to lose 50 pounds, some want to make a career move, save $5000 or relocate.

January rolls around and you start off strong. Going to the gyms 4-5 times a week, skipping the morning Starbucks run - every penny counts, sending out your resume to 10 employers a week and you've downloaded the Zillow app to our phone (listen, you need accurate daily information on the housing market!).

March rolls around your trying to convince yourself to go to the gym because you haven't been since the third week of January (You only lost 3 pounds so what's the point right?). You forgot to buy coffee at the grocery store so you HAVE to stop at Starbucks, you haven't really received any call backs for you resume so you figure maybe a new career is not in the plan for you this year. You can't find your vision board and you can't put any money away this week because the light bill is due.

Now that escalated quickly didn't it! It's so easy to become distracted or get discouraged when the time line is not adding up when trying to achieve our goals. So what do we do? We give up and try again next year. Instead of giving up this time around, Here are five quick tips to help you stay on track:

Set realistic goals

Setting the goal is the easy part. Achieving the goal is the real deal. When setting your goals, break them down into smaller goals. For example, you want to lose 50 pounds this year. Focus on a weekly goal of 2 pounds per week. Instead of dieting, focus on creating a healthy lifestyle and buying healthy foods that will assist in helping you achieve your weight loss goal. This way you are not just focused on the big number.

Celebrate your wins

Create little rewards for yourself for each milestone you reach. You lost 6 pounds this month, reward yourself with a treat. You saved $100 towards you monthly goal to $5000, have a celebratory movie night. Celebrating your wins along the way helps you feel accomplished and allows to track you success.

Track your progress

Start a journal or create a calendar for your mini goals. You can also download an app with notifications to monitor your progress and keep you motivated.

Find an accountability partner

Ask a friend or family member to check in with you regularly to help you stay on track. You can also create a group chat/text with individuals that are working towards the same goals as you. Getting a mentor and meeting weekly or bi-weekly can help you be accountable and stay motivated. Another option is joining a Facebook group that aligns with your goal(s). There may be goal challenges or you may meet an accountability partner.

Be nice to yourself

Don't be too hard on yourself. Don't get discouraged if you make a mistake or get setback along the way. We are humans having a human experience. It's okay to press the reset button on your goals or readjust them if needed. Just keep focused on the progress you have made and keep going. YOU GOT THIS.

Happy New Year!