It may not feel like it so much, but it’s a new year! You know what that means, right? You have to make a resolution that you’ll probably never keep. Well, it doesn’t have to be like that, instead, make 2021 the year that you finally keep a resolution. Here are a few tips to get you on your way to doing just that:

Make It Attainable

It’s very easy on December 31 to have set impossibly high goals for the year ahead, it’s natural. However, while for some these may serve as an excellent inspiration to give yourself a kick in your chosen resolution, for most (like me) it will probably lead to demotivation if you don’t manage to meet it. So, for example, instead of saying “I will be always be organized, on time, and on top of everything”, say “I will work my best to always be…”. By slightly lowering the bar of your resolution, you will be more likely to stay on-track, motivated, and thus achieve your goals. The key is to set a resolution that enforces some form of a healthy habit, not set yourself up to fail.

Make It Positive

By far the most common resolutions are ones that focus on parts of ourselves which we view as negative. The prime example (and by far the most popular New Year’s resolution) is that you may want to lose weight. However, this negativity will likely serve only to demotivate you further down the line if you don’t achieve the exact results you want. Instead, focus on the positive aspect of your resolution. Instead of saying “this is the year I lose x amount of weight” (focussing on how much lighter you wish you were), say “this year I will try to maintain a healthy lifestyle” (focussing on a positive change you want to bring to your life).

Make It Maintainable

Perhaps the most obvious addition to the list; make your goal maintainable. By this, I mean, don’t choose a resolution with a definite endpoint and, instead, focus on a life choice that you could envisage incorporating into your life in the longer term. This not only makes your resolution easier to keep but will let you use it as a force for good after 2021. Instead of, “this year I will meet all of my work targets” say “I will always put the effort in to do my best work”. Again, by making your goal achievable (with some room for failure at times, it is normal!), you make it easier to keep going!