8 effective techniques for setting (and keeping!) Your annual resolutions

 8 effective techniques for setting (and keeping!) Your annual resolutions

First of all, allow me to wish you a successful 2021 that meets your aspirations. With good techniques, effective tools and a lot of willpower, you can surely achieve (and exceed!) Your goals this year!

In this post, I share with you (in all humility!) Some proven techniques for setting and keeping your resolutions. Because while you often have good intentions at the start of the year, it can sometimes be difficult to stay the course as the months go by. The famous "resolutions" get rather bad press, because they are often synonymous with abandonment! The techniques that I offer you are drawn from numerous readings and personal experience developed over the years. Among other things, these techniques have greatly helped me last year to run my first 42.2km marathon. I strongly invite you to share your own techniques for achieving your annual resolutions by leaving a comment at the end of this post.

1. Choose the right (and few!) Resolutions

In a burst of enthusiasm, we sometimes have a tendency to get carried away at the start of the year and want to pass too many resolutions at the same time. Instead, pick one or two that will have a big impact on your life and your accomplishments. Whether it's getting healthier while losing weight or saving for an important project, well-chosen resolutions will be easier to stick to. You will be able to devote yourself to it with more energy!

2. Identify motivating resolutions

We sometimes tend to set resolutions based on comments we receive ("you should quit smoking") or because the media spread it out. But it is essential that your resolutions emanate from yourself and are a deep source of personal motivation. Don't stop smoking because you are asked to. Stop smoking because you believe it is the right thing to do and that it will improve your quality of life (and that of your loved ones as a result). A resolution that is not a strong motivator is doomed to failure!

3. Turn your resolutions into goals (thanks to the SMART method)

A resolution is, by definition, something vague. It is a will that we want to see fulfilled. But how to establish the guidelines for this resolution? How do you know if you are approaching or moving away? How do you determine that the resolution has been met? By turning a resolution into a goal. Losing weight is a resolution. Losing 15 lbs between January and December is a goal. A goal usually meets criteria that is often described by the acronym "SMART". That is, a goal should be:

Specific: he must speak to you specifically and not (or very little) depend on others. For example: "I want to lose weight".

Measurable: it must be able to be quantified or measured. For example: "I want to lose 15 lbs."

Achievable: it must be able to be achieved by taking concrete actions. You have to be in control. It should not be forced upon you. The use of the "I" is essential.

Realistic: he must be daring and demanding, but stay within the realm of the possible. In this example, wanting to lose 50 lbs might be unrealistic.

Temporal: it must be defined in time by a beginning and an end. For example: "I want to lose 15 lbs between January and December".

N.B .: there are various variations of the SMART approach. None are necessarily better. The important thing is that your goals are well defined, realistic and that you are in control.

4. Break down your resolutions into concrete tasks

Now that your resolutions have been turned into (SMART) goals, where do you start? How to take the actions that will bring you closer to achieving these goals. To do this, break your goals down into concrete tasks. Each task should include a specific action to take to get you closer to your goal. If you want to lose weight by running, just starting to run will not be enough. This task is too fuzzy. You will need to establish a training program, purchase the required equipment, read articles on running techniques, plan your training sessions in your diary, and more. Also, make sure that your to-do list always includes at least one action to take that relates to your goal. Never leave it blank, as this will create a cut that could lead to you giving up. By breaking down your objectives into concrete and accessible tasks, the mountain to climb will seem less intimidating to you!

5. Put your goals in writing

It might seem obvious, but it's important to put your goals in writing (and of course, the tasks that come with them!). Writing down your goals will increase your engagement. As if you signed a contract with yourself. Ideally, always have your written goals handy so you can review and remember them. Today, the cell phone and tablet are the tools of choice for having access to your goals at all times!

6. Get support and visualize

Holding a resolution, especially a bold one, takes great determination. Quitting is often caused by a loss of energy or motivation. Do not hesitate to seek support from those close to you (friends, family or colleagues). You might find people who have a similar goal (or who have already achieved it) and who will be happy to encourage you. Also look for outside sources of inspiration, for example, in people who have lost weight, have a healthy balance, or have gained more financial independence. Find images or articles that will inspire you and view them frequently. Tell yourself that if these people have been successful in achieving a goal similar to yours, there is no reason why you too cannot.

7. Measure yourself regularly (and reward yourself!)

To make sure you're getting closer to your goal, measure yourself frequently. Since you previously established a quantitative or measurable goal, you should be able to set control points for yourself and readjust the shot as needed. For example, for a weight loss goal of 15 lbs over the year, a loss of less than one pound per month would be bad news. If you stray from your goal, question yourself about the causes and find ways to make up for it. The important thing is to achieve your end goal, even if it means changing your approach along the way. Several roads lead to Rome after all! And if you're in line with your goal, you deserve a little reward! But beware: this reward should not take you away from your goal. For example, if you are looking to lose weight, a "fast food" meal is not a reward. It’s a privilege. Reward yourself differently, with something that will encourage you without detracting from your goal.

8. Take action! (Just do it!)

Continually seek to be in action in connection with your goals. Standing still is your worst enemy. You don't always have to be big, but always have a job to do. Whether it is, for example, planning a workout, reading an article on the subject, updating your budget. Being in continuous motion will prevent you from having to "kickstart" to reach your goal.

I hope these few techniques will help you set (and most importantly, stick to!) Your annual resolutions.

In a future article, I'll show you some mobile apps to help you stick to your resolutions and achieve your goals.

Good resolutions!