It’s a new year and time to stick to those resolutions!
If you’re a bride, among your resolutions could be finding the perfect gown, planning regular date nights, or getting in shape for the wedding. Or maybe you’d like to start a business, volunteer in the community, or take on a new project at home.
Whatever your goals, we’re here to help. We’ve collected ten tips for ways to stay motivated and make your dreams happen in 2017!
Stay SMART
Framing a SMART goal is one of the best ways to get started. Though the letters can mean different things for group or personal goals, here’s a review: S is for specific, M for measurable, A for attainable, R for relevant, and T for time-based.
Choose Wisely
Identify your passions and be realistic. If something isn’t that important to you, you probably won’t follow through. Make sure you want this and it’ll make a difference in your life. If you enjoy the journey, it will be easier to remain focused until you reach the destination.
Break It Down
Many people fail to reach their goals because, psychologically, it’s really difficult and scary to do something big. But if you break it down into smaller tasks, suddenly your goal seems much more achievable. Figure out the steps you will take, and determine a reasonable timeline.
Learn New Skills
Could be a reason you haven’t achieved this goal yet is that you may be lacking some of the skills or knowledge you need. Fill in the blanks. Ask people in the field for advice or research it online, and figure out how to do what you’re doing. Get the tools you need to begin.
Be Positive
Negative self-talk is damaging. How can you do well if someone (you) is putting you down all the time? You might think, It’s not that special. Other people have achieved greater. FYI, this is your goal, so compare yourself to you. If you’ve done better than yesterday, that is worth a positive response.
Make Good Habits
When something new becomes part of your daily life, change happens. Since you won’t always feel motivated, commit to a routine. It won’t be easy. You’ll run into excuses; with clever planning, you can figure out how to get around them. Own responsibility for your actions.
Focus on Your Goals
Where does determination come from? When you focus on a goal, there is a driving reason behind it. Brainstorm all the positive reasons that you’re doing this—keep asking why until you discover your ultimate purpose. Draw strength from the deep meaning in what you’re doing.
Reward Yourself
Whenever you need a boost, reward yourself! Even if an achievement is small, it’s still progress. Congratulate yourself in meaningful, enjoyable ways that won’t conflict with your goal. Also, let other people know when you’ve achieved a milestone. A pat on the back is well-deserved support.
Visualize Success
You may get stuck along the way, or even have trouble starting. Ignite your drive by visualizing success. What would your life be like if you were successful? Find pictures online and write in the details of what you particularly want. Find a mentor or example of the success you seek for inspiration.
Rise to Challenges
From outside circumstances to depleted enthusiasm, various challenges may force you to a grinding halt. At these times, be flexible. Give yourself permission to change, but don’t abandon your goal. Identify specific roadblocks and find solutions. Evaluate progress and re-plot your course.
***
Want to read more? Check out these great resources:
https://www.projectsmart.co.uk/smart-goals.php
http://smart-twenties.com/motivation-is-overrated/
http://www.levo.com/posts/how-to-find-motivation-when-you-feel-like-a-failure
