Mountain Pacific Blog

Today is National Resolution Planning Day.

We all know the best way to achieve our goals is to make a plan. The new year offers the perfect time for a fresh start or renewed goals. But each year, only about 10% of people are successful at keeping their new year’s resolutions.

So how can you make sure your 2023 goals stick?

Here are a few tips:

• Reflect on the past year. When were you most proud of yourself? Where could you do better?
• Create a list of your new year’s resolutions to remind you every day what you want to achieve in the new year.
• Set small goals or milestones to help you reach your bigger goals and include a deadline or a specific timeframe for each. For example: To improve my finances in the new year, I am going to save $1,000 by June 1. Update your milestones as you achieve them to keep your progress going!
• Make sure your goals are realistic and achievable, while still pushing you to do better.
• Get out of your comfort zone and try new things! Making your resolutions exciting or different can be more appealing for long-term success.

If you need some inspiration for setting big-picture goals for the new year, here are some ideas you could add to your list:

• Create a healthier lifestyle by exercising regularly and being mindful about what you eat.
• Spend more quality time with the people you care about.
• Prioritize your mental health.
• Travel to new places.
• Get your finances on track.
• Take up a new hobby, sport, or other interest.
• Look for a new job that better aligns with your career goals.
• Become more environmentally friendly.

When creating your goals, be specific. Being able to measure success is an important part of reaching your goals. For example, if you want to be healthier in the new year, think about how you might measure good health. Maybe you will exercise at least four times a week for 30 minutes at a time, eat a vegetable with every meal or get better sleep by going to bed at the same time every night and waking up at the same time every morning. Measurable goals are easier to sustain. Having specific parameters helps keep you accountable.

Most importantly, sticking to your resolutions means knowing you won’t reach your goals overnight. Create a plan for dealing with obstacles that might get in your way. If you miss one of your milestones, set a new one. Remember tomorrow is always a new day, and you can do better today than you did yesterday. Being realistic and picking yourself up after setbacks will help you stay positive and make 2023 the year you want it to be.

Happy new year!