featured image by clare huntsberger
If you’re like me, the single, sweeping New Year’s Resolution doesn’t usually inspire me to make lasting change. “Eat healthier this year,” “Find ways to give back,” “Be more financially responsible” usually leave me wanting to pull the covers over my head. Anyone else? Instead of having a running list of resolutions waiting to be fulfilled, for me, setting monthly resolutions has been a much more effective way to stay motivated and tackle my goals, one at a time. Here’s how the idea works…
image by kristen kilpatrick
Write down everything you want to accomplish during the next year.
Set aside a block of time to think about the areas of life where you genuinely want to improve: career, home, financial habits, relationships, etc. Write it all down.
image by claire huntsberger
Assign each goal to a month.
Start with your most important goal and build from there, and feel free to repeat goals throughout the year if you think you might need to get back on track. Take into consideration the seasons and holidays, along with your personal schedule for the year. Are you traveling? Do you spring clean? Are you planning to transition into a different job? Be mindful and adjust your goals to what works best for you.
The idea is to form a habit and stick to it, so each goal builds on top of the previous one.
Here’s an example:
January: Throw out those Christmas cookies! Join the #CSCleanse to kickstart eating a well-rounded, healthy diet. Meal prep so I don’t get lost along the way.
February: Solidify my workout routine. Be active at least 4 days out of the week.
March: Clean the house, rearrange, refresh, and throw out or give away anything I don’t need anymore. Find comfort with opening up my home to friends and family.
April: Organize my finances: Ask for a raise, do my taxes, set and stick to a budget. Start paying off any unpaid debts.
…continue this through December, so that by the end of the year, you’ll have created 12 powerful new habits.
image by ashleigh amoroso
Reflect at the end of every day.
Take a moment to reflect on what you did today. Overall, how did your actions line up with that month’s goal? How are you sticking to your previous months’ goals?
By the end of the year, you’ll be impressed with how much you were able to accomplish – and the fact that it wasn’t overwhelming. You can still deep clean your house or pay off your debt in months other than your set goal month, but the key is to see continual growth towards your best self by moving forward one step at a time.
Do you have a tried-and-true strategy to sticking to your New Year’s resolutions? Share with us below!
