HOW TO GUIDE: SET ACHIEVABLE NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS

I strongly believe that fully embracing the new year is the best way to end the holiday season. There is nothing better than a fresh start to reset and reorganize your priorities after the busyness of the past few months. I used to spend a full day planning my goals and aspirations for the new year, but with my littles I am lucky if I get a few hours between nap times. Not sure how to set achievable New Year resolutions? My process is a simple and fool proof way to achieve your goals in the new year and become your best self, but like everything in life you only get out what you put in, so take your time! Don’t forget to download my template below before you get started! 

Create a vision board.

Think of your ideal best self. What is her occupation? What are her passions? How does she look? What does she speak like? What are her friends like? I cannot stress enough the value of finding photos and descriptive words to help you visualize this woman that you want to be. Keeping this goal in front of you is invaluable in maintaining your discipline and focus throughout the year.

Self-Evaluation.

Now, without comparing yourself to your ideal self, past self, or others focus on where you are right now. Answer the same questions you did above with the most objective eye you can. This is by far the most difficult step. It can be challenging to view yourself objectively, so it’s a great idea to ask those you trust to describe you and help you answer these questions.

Lastly, look at what are your favorite and least favorite things about yourself right now. Are you happy or unhappy with your life, self, career, and relationships? Think of stories good and bad over the past year what do they tell you about yourself.

Gap Analysis.

What do you need to do to get from your current state to your future state? What are the biggest leaps you can take this year to get you closer to your ideal self? Those will be your resolutions.

Example for one resolution: To get from $10,000 in credit card debt to $0 in credit card debt I need to pay off $10,000 and stop adding money to my cards.

Plan & Implement.

Now that you know your goals, focus on the how. These resolutions should be SMART, now most of you know what this means, but I’ll recap. Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time sensitive. I also like to add a personal mission statement to bring things back to focus when I loose motivation.

Example: Within the next year, I will decrease my credit card debt from $10,000 to $0 by decreasing my debt $2,500 per quarter. I will achieve this by setting a tight spending budget and prioritizing my financial freedom above material things.

Try to set measurable goals when completing your gap analysis of what can be honestly improved in one year. If you know $10,000 in a year is not attainable, lower it to $5,000 or whatever you can truly do based on your income.  Know your limits and be realistic with your plan and actionable items. Most resolutions fail because there isn’t enough motivation or the goals are unattainable, so try to make it fun! A year is a long time, so break up your goals into smaller accomplishments or deadlines, such as monthly goals.

Lastly, find rewards for yourself and keep your goals visible as encouragement when your motivation is low. If you share your goals with others you are more likely to keep them, so find yourself a buddy who wants to achieve one or two of the same goals and hold each other accountable. A journal is also a great way to follow your progress and keep your goals in front of you via written goals or a mini vision board that you keep with you.

Just for fun I want to share the top 10 new year’s resolutions in the US. (Thanks Google!)

1. Exercise more

2. Lose weight

3. Get organized

4. Learn a new skill/ hobby

5. Live to the fullest

6. Save more money/ spend less

7. Quit smoking/ drinking

8. Spend more time with family

9. Travel more

10. Read more

I would love for you to share one or two of your new year resolutions with me, and please let me know if this process works for you. Don’t forget to follow along on Pinterest and checkout delicious recipes and all things Family Fun if good foord and quality family time are part of your resolutions this year! I hope by this time next year you are closer to being your ideal self!

Download the worksheet here!

New Year Resolution Worksheet.pdf

Download PDF • 26KB