It’s February already and it's very rare that you will have kept your new year resolutions, 80% of us fail by the second week. I think it is really hard without workable steps and I personally tend to get distracted. Here’s some ideas from the study I did with www.integrativenutrition.com to help deliver on your dreams: set goals.
Map your vision
Create a visual reminder of what you want to achieve. It’s called a vision board and, whether you’re focusing on your career, health, relationships, eating habits or fitness, this technique is amazing. Vision boards are fun to make, but don’t be fooled: while you choose images and quotes you’re gaining clarity on your goals and vision. You could even uncover a few new ones!
How to make your own vision board
- The basic idea is to find images, phrases or symbols that reflect your goals, then paste them onto a board in any design that makes sense to you. The only rule: design the board so it acts as a clear reminder of the good things you’re aiming for.
- Hang or stick your board where you can see it often: your bathroom, bedroom, office or even on the fridge!
1. Set fewer goals.
Keep it as simple as you can. A few realistic steps are far more attainable than a hundred ideas that just sap your energy. Write out your goal plans, then simplify them even more.
2. Go for gentle and consistent exercise
It’s tempting to kick off your new exercise regime with a bang, or to miss days and then go at it hard to make up for lost time. Choose activities that fit into your routine, things that you can do every day without being too hard on your body. Stretching, yoga, walking or swimming are great for days when gym or boot-camp just aren’t going to happen.
3. Better times with the ones you love and yourself
Plan to do something new (or something you miss doing) a few times this year and stick to it! Also, put aside time for the people you care about: get the dates into your diary and, where you can, pay a deposit so the trip/meal/show is a real commitment.
4. Spark that creativity and try something new
Fine art, crafting, dance, sewing, cooking, music, writing – whatever form your creativity takes, set a few goals to get it flowing this year. Learn a new medium, join like-minded groups or think about selling some of your work online or at a market. Give yourself a timeline and enjoy the journey.
5. Ban overthinking
Again, keep it simple. We live in a demanding world that swamps us with so many distractions and options, but you can filter out some of the noise. If you need to make a decision, pay attention to how you feel and choose what feels right.
6. Real soul-deep connections
Friends, mentors and colleagues who support you and understand your truths are priceless – maybe this is the year you’ve chosen to deepen those relationships or add new ones. Schedule time and commit to opening up to the ones you trust: show up and open up.
7. Open yourself to the experiences of others
Maybe, this year, you’d like to open yourself to other people’s experiences and their realities. Busy-ness and life can shrink your world: read books about and meet people who are experiencing different things to you. Being open to others makes us better.