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How to Keep New Year’s Resolutions and Goals

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A new year has already begun and you would have already set your goals and written down your list of things to achieve for this year and the next 5 years.

So do you keep the momentum going?

You may have set goals around improving your health, acquiring a new skill, changing jobs or outsourcing your debts to a professional debt collector (plug for Debt Recoveries Australia inserted right here!). But as many of us know, resolving to change is one thing. Making those changes stick is another.

Research suggests that one-third of all New Year’s resolutions are abandoned within the first month. As previously discussed, I do not believe in resolutions. I prefer written down goals.

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So how can we keep on track with these goals?

There are three things we can do.

First, we need to be smarter about how we set goals. This was explained in my previous blog, using SMART goals, i.e. make them Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Rewarding and Trackable.

Second, we need to implement new behaviours in the ways most likely to turn them into ingrained habits. Set yourself some habits and stick to them, even if you don’t feel like doing them, give it a go anyway. To maximize your chances of success, choose just one habit at a time. If you have a list of habits you want to ingrain, consider starting with the easiest one. You wouldn’t try to run a marathon if you’ve never run the tan (it’s a Melbourne thing). The same applies to willpower and self-control. Start small and work your way up. The idea is to focus on the habit, not the goal.

Finally, we need the willpower, planning, and support to stay motivated and on track. I like to be accountable to someone. I tell at least two people what my goals are and what I want to achieve, then I keep checking in with them as much as possible. If your goal is fitness-related, choose from plenty of fitness apps that helps you to stay fit. You may consider keeping a journal and writing down your achievements and list your activities carried out to reach your goals. Make a list of the habits you have formed, when you are doing them and when they have been ticked off your list, put it in your journal. You may also make use of a calendar to keep track of these goals. I love Microsoft Outlook Calendar as it synchronizes with most other apps, has tasks and reminders. I use it in conjunction with Evernote, to list all my goals and habits and I refer back to each of them on a regular basis, just to give myself some motivation to keep going.

I hope this has helped you keep on track to achieve your dreams and goals this year. Stay motivated and good luck!

Debt Recoveries Australia is the expert at recovering your outstanding debts without the drama. For more information, email us at email@debtrecoveries.com.au or call 1300 799 511. Tell us your problems on Skype at “debtrecoveries”.

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