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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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.