Mistakes to Avoid When Sticking to a New Year’s Resolution

If you’re reading this, is it OK to assume that you may need a little help with your New Year's resolution? We know it can be frustrating to have a ton of goals you want to reach, get excited about starting the year with a clean slate and then boom, you can’t stick to it. It is devastating. The thought of having to start over again can send anyone spiraling, and before you know it, it’s June 16th and you're in the same position you were at the beginning of the year.

We're here to help with that! Now, we've done some digging and found there are certain mistakes people can make, when it comes to tackling New Year’s resolutions. And with the year 2020 being the year of visionaries, it would be a shame for you to miss your goals.

Here are the top 5 mistakes to avoid this year!

1. Making too many resolutions.

This is a trap. We repeat, this is a trap. Sure, aim for every goal you can imagine, but that can easily lead to you being overwhelmed, when you put too much on your plate. There is no way for you to give 100% to your most pressing goal, if you are distracted by too many other goals. For this reason, we suggest that you stick to one big goal, or two smaller ones. 

2. Giving too much “weight” to your resolutions.

Putting too much pressure on yourself will definitely backfire. We've seen it over and over again, and we're sure you have, too. Eventually, the pressure gets to you - and you break. And worse, it can lead you down a path to undo all of the things you had worked so hard for, up to that point. Figure out a way to find balance while working on your goals. Get your tasks done but take care of yourself, too.

3. Forgetting to make a plan with daily goals. 

Breaking down small goals into daily tasks can be the biggest favor you can do for yourself. Those little daily tasks add up to progress as the weeks and months pass, and suddenly - goal achieved! This method also helps you to take the pressure off. Bite-size goals can make or break your resolutions. It’s easier to tackle small goals than taking on a really big one, all at once.

4. Underestimating the power of the buddy system.

Recruit a like-minded friend to come along for the ride! Having that extra bit of support goes a long way, especially when you don’t have any other support system. Two heads are better than one, right? So, if you can get a friend, or a group of friends, to join you on your journey, the easier and the more fun it can be along the way! Sometimes, having the support you need is a crucial step to keep you on track. 

5. Forgetting to celebrate the small wins.

Give yourself a break from time to time, and celebrate the small wins, like hitting a weekly goal, sticking with your resolution for the first 3 months, or reaching a milestone on your journey. These are all reasons to celebrate, and measuring the small steps will keep you sane while you’re working toward your ultimate goal(s).

You will be surprised by how this list can help you succeed at reaching your goals. All it takes is a little bit of encouragement and a plan. You’ll find that if you just avoid these issues, you’ll be that much closer to beating the New Year's resolution "curse!"