New Year's Resolutions

New Year's resolutions are not something I mess around with. I am a big believer in using January first to reflect on the past year and plan for the new year. That being said, don't forget that you can set goals no matter what the date is. But if flipping to a new year in your calendar helps motivate you, then by all means take advantage of it.

Here is my advice for setting goals and sticking to them.

1. Make goals not resolutions

When it comes to making a positive change in your life, you need to make a goal. A goal is something that you can reach for and can check off a list when you complete it. A resolution is simply something that looks good on paper and may or may not be attainable. Your goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely (I know, I know if you're a fellow journalism/social media student you're having vivid flashbacks to countless class projects regarding SMART goals).

2. Keep the list short

I'm not gonna lie, this is my biggest struggle. My list is currently hovering around 25 items... So here is my advice for those struggling with having been told too many times to dream big: make more than one list. Okay this might sound like cheating, but hear me out. Write your top five goals that most definitely need to get done. This is eating fruits and veggies with every meal, working out three times a week and taking time to meditate in the morning. Then make another list and have this filled with the smaller, but still important goals. Appreciating the little things (like the perfect golden hour), using your time doing the dishes to reflect instead of pout and actually taking the time to wash your face with a boujee cleanser.

3. Look back at it

You spent the time to curate this personalized list and you're going to tell me that you never do a check-in? Really? Set a reminder on your phone for the last day of every month to look back at your list. Reflect on what you did right, what you did wrong and look closely to see if there is anything that needs changing. Your goals are not set in stone, they are fluid. If they aren't working for you, adjust them. If you wait to do this until the end of the year it is overwhelming and not at all productive, but if you do it monthly you'll start to see real progress.

There it is, my top three tips to making resolutions (ahem, goals) and sticking to them. Let me know if you're going to try any of these and any tips that you have in the comments below.

P.S. I'm still trying to understand this blogging platform... pretty sure you have to make an account to leave a comment? If you know how to get around that shoot me a message:)

Now for the fun part- here's a to-do list for you so you have no excuse to not make 2019 your year.

THE TO DO LIST

1. Make goals, not resolutions.

2. Split the goals into two lists: a short one with specifics and the one with the big dreams.

3. Do a monthly check-in. If you follow me on Insta, get ready for monthly reminders!