As the New Year approaches, it is the perfect time to reflect on the achievements and mishaps of the previous year. After reviewing, we can then proceed with creating new goals and reworking goals that were not met. While many of us start the New Year with enthusiasm, maintaining momentum can be challenging. Here is how to set realistic New Year’s resolutions and stick to them.
1. Start with Reflection
Reflecting on the past year is pivotal in making new goals. If you do not review the goals you have set, then goal-making is a wasted effort. Where did you face challenges? Where did you excel beyond your goals? Understanding these can help you set achievable goals.
You want your goals to be attainable, but also to challenge yourself. I like to look at four different areas when making New Year’s resolutions. I will call them the four – f’s: family and friends, faith, fitness, and finances.
2. Set SMART Goals
Use the SMART criteria for each of the four Fs – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound. These provide the perfect frame for achievable and measurable goals. For example, you would set a goal for fitness to “exercise for 30 minutes a day, five times a week” instead of “get fit”.
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3. Break It Down
Divide the larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks. This makes it less daunting, so you are more likely to persevere. You will also be able to track these goals with more clarity. As you see smaller goals achieved it will motivate you and push you along to complete the larger goals.
4. Track Your Progress
Keep a journal, and use apps or a planner to monitor your progress. Set time frames for when you will check in on your goals so that you can see progress. Celebrate small victories with appropriate rewards to stay motivated.
5. Stay Flexible
Life can be unpredictable. Be prepared to adjust your goals as needed without feeling discouraged. It would be easy to get discouraged if you miss one week of working out, and give up completely. However, if you realize that it is just a small step in the long-term goal, you can continue and still see the results you are seeking.
6. Find Accountability
Share your resolutions with friends or join a group with similar goals for support and motivation. You are more likely to achieve your goals with people cheering you on or doing it in a fun and exciting way.
7. Reward Yourself
Set up a reward system for achieving milestones to keep yourself motivated. For working out, you could set small rewards like a new accessory, trying a new workout class, or even purchasing a new water bottle. Set small goals along the way, and a reward system. Your motivation will thank you and your goal will be achieved.
These are seven realistic and easy ways to set New Year’s Resolutions. If you stick with it and reward yourself along the way then you are sure to see the results you want. As they say, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. So, take a shot and see where you end up. You just might surprise yourself!
Sample Faith-Based Goals
As we step into the new year, it’s a wonderful opportunity to not only focus on personal growth but also strengthen our faith and family connections. Setting intentional resolutios that nuture these areas can bring lasting joy and deeper relationships. Here are some practical and meaningful goals to consider:
- Daily Prayer Time: Dedicate a specific time each day for personal or family prayer. Start small, such as a 5-10 minute goal, and gradually build the habit, Use this time to reflect, listen, give thanks, and seek guidance for the day ahead.
- Bible Reading Plan: Choose a manageable Bible reading plan that works for your lifestyle. Apps like YouVersion or audio Bibles can make it easier to stay consistent. There is nothing like reading an actual Bible though. In addition to setting small goals, realizing the impact it has on you can help you stay motivated. Stastically, they have shown that four times in the word a week has drastic affects on issues like anger, loneliness, happiness, and even reducing porn use. You can see that study here.
- Attend Church Regularly: Make it a priority to attend weekly services as a family. Consider inviting friends or neighbors to join you as a part to your commitment to evangelism.
- Serve Others Together: Volunteer as a family at a local charity or church event. Acts of service not only strengthen your faith but also teach children the value of compassion and giving back.
Sample Family-Focused Goals
- Weekly Family Dinners: Commit to sitting down together for at least one device-free meal each week. Use this time to share highs and lows from the week and reconnect.
- Family Bonding Activities: Schedule regular fun activities like game nights, hikes or cooking together. These moments create lasting memories and strengthen relationships.
- Unplug Together: Set aside time each week to unplug from devices and spend quality time together – whether it’s reading, playing board games, or simply talking.
- Teach Healthy Habits: Encourage kids to eat healthier by involving them in meal planning and preparation. This not only teaches them about food choices but also practical life skills such as cooking and cleaning. Try a “meal discovery night” where you explore new cuisines as a family.
- Encourage Gratitude: Start a family gratitude journal where everyone writes down something they’re thankful for each day or week.
Blending Faith and Family
- Worship together at Home: Incorporate worship into your daily routine by playing Christian music during breakfast or before bedtime. Look for music that speficially glorifies God rather than feelings or yourself. Music that takes your eyes and feelings off your self and lifts up God is instrumental in times of worship.
- Create a Prayer Jar: Have each family member write prayer intentions on slips of paper and place them in a jar. Take turns picking out one and praying it during prayer times.
- Focus on Listening: We talk a lot to God in prayer times, but we rarely think to sit and listen. You can have family listening times where everyone has their Bibles and journals and soft music is playing in the background as you listen for things God may be speaking to you. Remember a relationship is not one-sided. God still speaks to us even today. Here is a great exercise to listening and hearing the voice of God.
Whether you are setting faith and family goals, or fitness and finance goals it is important to remember small actionable steps that you can reward along the way. They make impact as you take steps toward creating a more intentional and fulfilling year.