Aaah New Years. The time of year we all swear off chocolate, resolve to rid our home of all the junk, and swear to stop spending so. much. money. We tell our friends and write it on our mirrors in lipstick. We tell the cashiers when they ask us, and write a post or two during the initial “activation” period.
But do we really mean it? And if so, are we set up for success? Do we have a lifestyle that will support the goals we make? If only there was a formula to help us start and push through our resolutions to actually come out on the other side successful! I don’t know about a formula, but I think I have something close. 5 steps to build a lifestyle that supports your goals, and not deters them. Because after all, if our lifestyle doesn’t support our new intended habits, it will be that much more challenging to carry them out. Let’s get serious. Here’s how.
Write Down Your Commitment
You know that lipstick comment I just made? It’s actually a great idea. A visual daily (or twice daily) reminder is just what you might need to keep going-especially in the beginning when you need to remember that you actually made the commitment in the first place. Other places you can write that is on your planner or even on a sticky note for a plethora of places (fridge, car, back door, Bible, or all four!) The more places you put it, the more reminders you will get, which is great for accountability.
Have Accountability Partners
Speaking of reminders and self accountability, it’s also a great idea to tell other people about your commitment. A friend, spouse, family member, neighbor, or mailman might be just the accountability you need to push you on those days that are extra tough. Or you could go one step further and become an accountability partner with someone else. A commitment to hold someone else accountable for their decision will help you with yours. An accountability partner should be someone you are willing to be open with, responsible, someone who cheers you on, but also someone who will be lovingly honest with you (*emphasis on lovingly).
Create Margin for your Goals
This is a big one. In order to build a lifestyle that supports your goals, you must create margin, or space, to fit those goals. Creating margin might mean you alter another habit or eliminate it altogether in order to fit a new one in. For example, say you resolve to do your quiet time in the morning, but only have time for exercise before getting ready for work. Creating margin might mean shortening your exercise routine, moving it altogether, or waking up earlier. Creating margin might also mean considering your influences. If you resolve to spend less money, but you are always going out with friends that spend a lot of money, your margin might mean you say no once in a while (or only say yes once in a while). Creating margin will allow you the space for success in your resolutions.
Periodically Check In
If a lifestyle change is in order, then this is no easy task and definitely not one you should take lightly. To stay on track, or to get back on track, it’s a good idea to periodically check in with yourself. Go back over your goals from time to time. At first, maybe you’re checking in daily or weekly. Over time, you can move to monthly or quarterly check ins. See how you’re doin, and readjust, if necessary. Making SMART goals can be difficult (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time oriented). It’s ok to realize the goal that was created wasn’t attainable or too generic. Just don’t leave it there. Go back over your goal, tweak it, and start again.
Give Yourself Grace
I can’t tell you how many times I quit something I committed to because I had a pity party that things weren’t going as I planned or expected. It happens. We fail. I fail. But success can be found in the failure if we’re willing to humble ourselves and realize that not everything is going to work out right the first time. When I am disgruntled about how I’ve treated my resolution, I go back to the goal. I ask myself if the goal still makes sense to me, and I find ways I can adjust to be more successful. When I do that, I am not the focus, but the goal is. Therefore, I’m much less likely to fall into the pity party. Rather I hop over the crack in the road and start again.
Whether you created a New Year’s Resolution or decided that NOW is the time for a change, I hope these 4 steps will help you build a lifestyle that supports your goals and set you up for success. You don’t need luck. You just need visual reminders, accountability, margin, check ins and grace!