Staying on Track with Your Goals: It's Never Too Late!
I can’t believe January is almost over! Talking with everyone and seeing how packed the gym was in early January and how it’s slowly dwindled, I've seen firsthand how the excitement of New Year's resolutions can quickly fade as January comes to a close. I know it’s easy to feel discouraged when you see others giving up on their goals. But I'm here to remind you that it's never too late to stay on track and achieve what you set out to do at the beginning of the year. Let’s dive into some strategies that can help you keep moving forward, no matter where you are on your journey.
Reflect on Your WHY
Before you toss aside your resolutions (or if you hate that word - let’s say goals), take a moment to reflect on WHY you set them in the first place. What motivated you? Was it a desire to improve your health, to learn something new, or to spend more quality time with your family? Reconnecting with this initial motivation can reignite your passion and remind you why these goals are important to you. Consider posting your WHY somewhere visible that you see every day (like your bathroom mirror) that way when you need a reminder - it’s right there!
Set Realistic and Achievable Goals
One common reason people abandon their resolutions is because they set goals that are too ambitious or completely unrealistic. If you find yourself overwhelmed, consider breaking your goals into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, instead of resolving to exercise every day, aim for three times a week and then go up from there. Celebrate each small victory, and gradually build on your successes. If instead you say you are going to exercise every day and you miss a day, you will get frustrated and have a higher likelihood of giving up all together and we don’t want that for you mama!
Create a Flexible Plan
Life is unpredictable, especially when you're juggling the responsibilities of being a parent and so many other roles that we play. It's important to have a plan that allows for flexibility. If something isn't working, don't be afraid to adjust your approach. Whether it’s changing your workout routine or shifting your reading schedule, adaptability can be your best friend in reaching your goals. And again, if something comes up and you get off track, just pick right back up where you left off.
Find an Accountability Partner
Having someone to share your journey with can make a world of difference. Whether it’s a friend, partner, or another mom, having an accountability partner can provide support and encouragement. The best part is, they don’t even need to be in your immediate area - with the power of social media and technology, you can team up with people from all over! Share your goals, check in regularly, and celebrate each other's progress. Remember, you’re not in this alone! 💃
Trial and Error is our Friend! (then Adjust as Needed)
As you progress, take time to reevaluate your goals and strategies. Are they still aligned with your values, priorities and what you want to accomplish? Don’t be afraid to adjust your goals if they no longer serve you. Your resolutions should bring you happiness and fulfillment, not stress or frustration. And no one says you can’t change your mind - so if something isn’t working for you, stop doing that thing and try something else!
Keep the End Goal in Sight
Finally, keep your eyes on the prize. Visualize what achieving your goals will look like and how it will feel. This can be a powerful motivator to keep pushing forward, even on the tough days.
Remember, the journey to achieving your goals is not a sprint; it's a marathon. Just because January is almost over doesn’t mean you should give up. You have the strength and determination to make this year your best one yet. Keep going, mama—you’ve got this!