1. Mentally prepare for change
Before launching headfirst into your New Year’s resolutions, it’s crucial to take a step back and prepare for that approaching change since changing deeply entrenched behaviors is no easy process.
Making a personal inventory is the first step in transformation. It’s the ideal time to reflect on the accomplishments of the previous year because it’s the end of one and the start of the new. Consider the following:
- What did I set out to do in the past year?
- Where did I make progress?
- Where didn’t I see progress?
Naturally, your resolution may concentrate on areas where there hasn’t been improvement, but don’t forget to appreciate the advancements achieved and find a tiny way to rejoice. Those positive emotions are beneficial! If at all feasible, attempt to connect them to a symbol or phrase that represents your success.
In order to use the positive link with your successes from the previous year as a reminder of those wonderful sensations when you are feeling challenged, you will want to remain enthusiastic about your current commitment.
Make sure you do the following as you consider the modifications you wish to make:
- Stay positive
- Try not to make big/quick changes
- Change should be gradual
- Build on smaller changes
- Allow a little room for error
2. Set a goal that motivates you
You’d be shocked at how frequently individuals make objectives that are not for themselves. These objectives may be mandated or forced upon you by your boss, spouse, parents, or peers.
Although it’s wonderful to have some outside backing, the resolution has a slim chance of success and could even fail before it ever starts.
To do this, you must ensure that the objective you have set is significant to you and you alone, and that reaching it will be worthwhile or beneficial to you. These two factors will provide people the motivation and desire to act. This also goes by the name of motivation!
Consequently, it’s a sure thing if your goals coincide with the following:
- Your goals
- Your priorities
- Your dreams
- Your aspirations
You should make sure that the resolutions fit around your main priorities in addition to your innermost wishes. This will result in a “must do” mentality.
Make your own professional development plan if one of your goals is to advance your job, such as learning more about Excel. This is a wonderful approach to keep yourself motivated as you go forward.
