Forget Resolutions—Find What Works for You
Here’s the thing about resolutions: I don’t buy into the idea that January 1 magically makes everyone ready for a new goal. Sure, a fresh start can be nice, but timing is everything, and life doesn’t always sync up with the calendar. For me, motivation ebbs and flows throughout the year.
For instance, I started a new goal in September because I felt ready to tackle something new. Fast forward to the holidays, and things got hectic—cue the busy schedule and the inevitable seasonal cold. So, I took a break. And guess what? That’s okay. Now that life has settled down and I’m feeling better, I’m picking up right where I left off.
If you’re trying to refocus or find your motivation again, start by revisiting your goal. Write it down, then break it into smaller, actionable steps. I like setting reminders on my phone to nudge me when it’s time to check in. For example, Sunday mornings are my “writing time” because it’s a quiet moment in my week. Find a time that works for you—when distractions are minimal—and make it yours. Whether it’s a cozy coffee shop, a peaceful park, or a quiet library, the environment matters, too.
Another trick I love? Scheduling my goals like appointments. For workouts, I pre-plan my sessions weeks ahead and treat them like non-negotiable meetings. For networking, I seek out events and block those on my calendar. Having a plan keeps me accountable and gives me a clear path for the weeks ahead.
I’ve also found success with a simple visual tracking system. Take the “stoplight” method: green for a day you crushed your goal, yellow for an okay day, and red for a miss. You can set limits on yellow and red days or focus on racking up as many greens as possible. This works especially well for nutrition goals but can be applied to anything you’re tracking. At the end of the month, it’s easy to see where you’re at and adjust for the next.
The key isn’t following someone else’s timeline or rules—it’s finding what works for you. So, what’s your go-to strategy for staying on track with your goals? Let me know—I’m always looking for new ideas!
4o
