This post was sponsored by Puritan’s Pride. All opinions expressed are my own.
You know that old saying that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Well, I disagree with that statement 100 percent, and I am proof that it’s not so accurate. If you’ve ever tried to change the way you do something, after you have done it a certain way for a long time, you know doing so can be somewhat challenging. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. It’s about this time of the year when many people find their New Year’s resolutions starting to waver. You started the year off with big goals and great resolve, but somewhere along the way you started losing momentum. This doesn’t mean you have failed or are not up to the challenge. It simply means it’s time to reevaluate your resolution and work on setting manageable goals for yourself.
I think the problem a lot of people have when making resolutions is that they think too big. I’m not saying you shouldn’t want big change and improvement. Instead, I’m saying it’s important to implement a plan of small steps that will help you achieve your goals.
Here are a few things to help get your resolutions back on track:
Don’t set yourself up for failure. Make sure the goal you set is attainable and manageable. I would love to climb to the top of Mount Everest one day, but I know that is never going to happen. This will remain a dream for me, but a more realistic goal would be to get fit enough to participate in a local run.
Be specific. Make sure you have clearly defined what you want to accomplish.
Keep it measurable by setting incremental and measurable goals. Identify targets and milestones to track your progress. For example, if your resolution is to lose weight, you might want to set a series of goals to lose weight in 5-pound increments.
It’s important to take baby steps. Making one small change can yield big rewards. It’s such a great feeling when you accomplish something, no matter how big or small. Being successful in making one small change can be the catalyst you need to make even more changes. I recently participated in the Puritan’s Pride One Small Change challenge and had some fantastic results when I stopped drinking diet soda and replaced it with water.
Lastly, I recommend that you write it all down. I know everyone is different, but for me, it’s very helpful to write things down. I recommend putting a simple binder together to help you keep track of your goals and progress.
Remember, it’s not too late to get back on track with your resolutions!
What has helped you stick to your resolutions?
Be sure to visit the Puritan’s Pride web site, Puritan’s Pride Blog, and the Puritan’s Pride Pinterest Board for inspiration to help you stick to your New Year’s resolutions!
Also, please join us (@aboutamom) tonight 1/29 at 9:00pm EST with @PuritansPride for a Resolution Reboot Twitter Party! Follow the #PuritansPride hashtag!
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I have been taking baby steps towards living a healthier lifestyle but I get so frustrated when I am making all these changes for the good and I don’t see any visible progress 🙁
This is a great post, and I love the idea of writing it down, for me that makes all the difference in the world.
I constantly set goals, but I have to remind myself over and over again to keep them simple, stay focused and less is more.
Thank you for the encouragement! My good intentions for the new year usually falter around this time.
It’s so important to set manageable goals. I tend to get over zealous and set huge goals without figuring out the baby steps to get there.
i’m in the slow and steady race. and boo, i missed the party. i was actually sound asleep on the couch!
I don’t make resolutions, but that is my way of thinking pretty much every day. One day at a time and go with the flow.
What an amazing post. So encouraging and really useful in setting goals.
Baby steps is a great tip. Too many people look for instant gratification & results & then get frustrated when it does not happen. Taking it slow is the best method.
I have to remember this: baby steps with everything. My house is a mess, but if you can do 1 thing, that’s something- and working towards getting it all done. Though- with a baby and toddler, it’s never “done”.
I set goals every year. Last year I set the bar to high and lost interest within a few months. This year I decided as you said to take baby steps to make my goals less scary and I know I can accomplish more.
Taking baby steps always help. If you rush full force into things, you’ll often just give up right away. I try to take small steps toward my goals each day.
I am not a resolutions kind of girl, but I did set some goals. So far so good. I still need to start working out. All I need is that one baby step in the right direction, and I’ll do it! 🙂 Maybe today will be the day!! 🙂
I did have goals for 2014 – reading more to our kids and eating healthier. I am still doing pretty good. But thank you for these tips! I need encouragement!
You are so right! Baby steps and not getting discouraged when I don’t meet my goals. Every day is a chance to try again.
You hit the nail on the head with giving yourself more manageable goals. I’m a visual person, so making a list sounds like a great idea. Thanks for the motivation!
Love this post. I think that’s what I always tend to forget but try to remember, small steps do make a difference.
That is very true. Start with baby steps. It is easy to get overwhelmed and throw in the towel. I am a list maker too, helps me put an order to my chaotic life. Great motivation.
I don’t make resolutions, but I do like the idea of small steps. Even during the day when I feel like I have a million things to get done, if I can do just one small thing it seems to get the ball rolling.
Nice post. My resolution is going very well and I’ve added another one on my plate which that one is all about taking steps…baby ones I am. Thanks for your inspiration.
Being specific is a big one for me. I can say “I want to lose weight” or “I want to eat healthier” but being so general leaves it open to interpretation (and failure). If I say “I want to lose five pounds by the end of February” it makes it easier to form a plan and set milestones to make sure I’m on track.
Baby steps in the right direction is still moving forward! Love this post. 🙂
Starting with a small step is a great way to conquer a larger goal. Great post!
Baby steps are really the way to go! They help you meet your goals without giving up too quickly!
I can set manageable goals pretty well. It’s the actually wanting to DO them that gets me every time…
whatever way works to meet goals is important. depending on what it is I have to jump in feet first or take babysteps
These are such great tips. I always have to write things down too.
Setting small, attainable goals has always helped me. I’m in a rut right now (weight loss is stalling.) I know what I “need” to do. Now it’s just actually doing it.
I am slowly making changes, as I know that I will rebound to my old ways if I force myself to completely change too quickly. This works much better for me, even if it takes me longer to reach the end goal.
I’ve found much success with baby steps. A change here, a new routine there. And then all of a sudden it’s something I’ve implemented into my life!
Making small changes helps make big changes more manageable. When you break it down, the task doesn’t seem as daunting.
Great post! I need to start taking more baby steps! Thank you 🙂
I totally agree! When we were trying to get out of debt, the big number seemed impossible. But we broke it down into little goals and just kept working at it. If you’re not taking a step in the right direction, you’re likely taking one in the wrong direction without even realizing it.
I’m currently trying to eat healthier and it is one of the hardest things of my life! Omg. I know it will be better in the long run, but I just really really want to dive bomb into a bag of chips. lol.
This is so true! The step might not seem very big but each one of them take us closet to our goal.
I didn’t make any resolutions this year. 🙂 Well, not formally at least. My family and I are in the process of doing a 180 on how and what we eat.
I just published a post just like this 🙂 My writer is leading everyone through one weekly goal at a time. It is a fantastic way to stay on track.
I totally tip toe and even though I probably don’t put all my weight on my toes! I’m scared of change!
I’m working on getting organized, this week was a wash. Next week I’ll do better. I’ve already started my to do list and I am going to work on organizing my work space this weekend!
BABY STEPS are SOOOOOO important! Life can be so overwhelming and baby steps make it so much more achievable! Off to pin your quotes!
Honestly, I’m really bad at setting goals because I set a ton at once, and not of them are easy. I must remember baby steps!
I didn’t make a resolution this year. We just decided to wing it as they say. I find that I can never keep them so I just take one day at a time. 🙂
I think if the old dog wants to they can learn new tricks. My grandmother uses that excuse a lot when it comes to computers yet she knows how to work the satellite remote. Her resolution every year is that she’s going to get better about using the computer and about midway through January she’s making excuses.
Small step’s is part of my strategy to stay on task to meet my goals this year.
I stopped drinking soda and replaced it with seltzers. I love it much better
That’s what I keep telling myself. I just need to take one small step each day towards exercising.
It’s important to set goals that are manageable. I think it’s okay to set big goals as long as you have a clear path to achieving them built of smaller steps.
I think like you said, taking small steps, and making them manageable goals.