So, how are your New Year’s resolutions going? If you are like most people, those lofty goals are a distant memory by now. But as we head into Spring, it might be a good time to revisit — and revamp — those resolutions.
Revisit Your “Why?”
“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” This insightful line from the classic French novella, The Little Prince, is famous for a reason. It can also be said that a goal without a why is a waste of time.
It is important to go back and think of why you set those resolutions. Was it to be healthier? To spend more time with your family? To finally make a dream a reality? If you can determine why you set the goal, that will make it easier to bring it back to life and connect it to a plausible plan.
Reset Your Expectations
If your goals were ambitious enough that they seem completely out of reach then maybe resetting is in order. If the motivation was to be healthier, consider modifying the goal to eat a few more vegetables each week, or lose a little bit of weight every month. By making it a smaller, more attainable goal you can track your progress a bit more, and eventually, the 12 months of work will add up.
If becoming a runner seems like a bit too much, a 5k walk is an excellent goal, and a program like Couch to 5K is a great resource. As long as you are putting one foot in front of the other, you are making progress.
Setting SMART Goals
Maybe you’ve forgotten your goals altogether, or they were so unattainable that you’re ready to completely leave them in the dust. The good news is that you can start again with a new plan right now. Spring, when the world is in its renewal phase, is a wonderful time to start fresh.
Try this helpful acronym when selecting your new goals. Ask yourself, are they…
Specific? Measurable? Attainable? Realistic? Timely?
If the answer is “yes” to all, go get ‘em! If not, you may want to rein them in a bit.
Set Yourself Up For Success
Go big or go home? Not in this case. Big effort sometimes results in small wins — but they are wins just the same and deserve to be celebrated. Consider each week of consistency a small win that deserves respect and acknowledgment. Patting yourself on the back may give you the inspiration you need to continue on your journey.
Here are some helpful tools to consider.
A Notepad Habit Tracker makes it super easy to keep on top of your goals each day.
Atomic Habits by James Clear is a very insightful resource that breaks down the psychology behind setting powerful micro habits (that actually stick.)
The Hurdle Podcast hosted by Emily Abbate is a wellness-focused podcast that interviews athletes, celebrities, experts, etc., and the hurdles they’ve overcome. (If you’re struggling to identify your “why”, Emily’s candid conversations might bring some clarity.)
When it comes down to it, every day is an opportunity to try again and to embrace growth in its many forms. Get inspired by Spring and give yourself the gift of a fresh start!