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It might be hard to believe, but 2022 is right around the corner. Now’s the time to start thinking about your New year’s resolutions. If you’re hoping to achieve big things, it takes a lot of grit, self-discipline and sacrifice.
At some point or another, your motivation may start to disappear. That is, unless you have these clever tricks up your sleeve. Motivate yourself to keep going, even when the going gets tough and make 2022 your year.
1. Focus On What You Don’t Want
If you’ve ever seen the hit show “ My 600-Pound Life,” you know how unappealing McDonald’s seems afterward. Even the mere thought of gaining that much weight can inspire you to give up sweets or completely overhaul your diet. Why? Because knowing what you don’t want for yourself can be a huge motivator in reaching your goals.
Let that vision of your worst self inspire you to keep going. The only constant is change, and it’s up to you to change for the better.
2. Simply Begin
When it comes to achieving your goals, sometimes the hardest part is getting started. Motivate yourself to take that first step by remembering the 40% rule. The idea is if you complete 40% of a task, the likelihood of you quitting drops drastically.
For example, if one of your goals is to exercise for 30 minutes each day, just start moving. Keep going for 12 minutes and if you still feel like quitting, you can stop and try again tomorrow, but odds are you’ll keep going.
3. Preempt Roadblocks
Even if you’re dead set on achieving your new year’s resolutions, the first few roadblocks can really trip you up. It’s no surprise, then, that 80% of people give up on their resolutions by the second week of February.
Preempt roadblocks and avoid motivation snags by writing down all your “what if’s.” What if you get injured? What if your workout buddy stands you up? Make backup plans and take precautions to achieve your goals safely, that way you’re always in the best position to follow through and actually stick to your resolutions over the long term.
4. Sweat For A Cause
To maintain that same fire and motivation you had at the beginning of the year, you have to find your why. If you can’t find a reason to achieve your goals for yourself, maybe you can find a reason for someone else.
For example, if you’re trying to lose weight by jogging, you might participate in a charity run for an organization that inspires you to make a difference. Whether it’s to support kids with cancer or raise money for shelter animals, you’re bound to cross the finish line with a smile on your face.
5. Schedule Accountability Check-Ins
Some people are their own accountability partners. To thine own self be true, right? Not everyone can be so honest with themselves. That’s why most successful people have accountability partners.
There are a variety of strategies you can use to stay accountable. Maybe you make your goal public on social media so your followers become your accountability partners. Perhaps you’d rather make a more private promise to a friend, parent or sibling. Whoever you choose, make sure to schedule regular check-ins. Seeing the date on your calendar will keep you on track.
6. Reward Yourself Along The Way
The road to success is paved by many small victories, and you should celebrate all those tiny wins along the way. Humans are hard-wired to point out the bad in themselves, the failures and shortcomings. When guilt and shame arise, it’s easier to quit than to carry on.
Why not adopt a positive mindset and focus on the good. What changes have you made so far? Which habits have helped you get closer to achieving your ultimate goal? Document and celebrate these accomplishments by treating yourself to small rewards. Doing so will likely boost your motivation, even when you feel like giving up.
Always Be Improving
Take time to regularly review goals and your progress towards reaching them. Is there anywhere you can improve? Is your motivation slipping? What might you do to bolster it? Frequently reassessing yourself will help you troubleshoot and, ultimately, stick to your resolutions.
About The Author:
Oscar Collins is the managing editor at Modded, where he writes about cars, fitness, the outdoors and more. Check out @TModded for regular updates!
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