There's no doubt that 2020 has thrown most of us for a loop. While many people had high hopes for the start of the new decade, those hopes were dashed as soon as COVID-19 found its way into the United States. As the pandemic rages on, you might be wondering whether it's even worth it to set resolutions for 2021. And while this is a totally personal decision, you may find that establishing some goals for yourself will provide some much-needed direction during what's likely going to be another difficult year.
But how can you set resolutions that will truly motivate you while providing a sense of realism? Whether you want to avoid being part of one of the
70% of business partnerships that fail through greater financial literacy or you'd like to reduce your household waste, thereby removing yourself from the equation that tells us Americans throw away
600 times the amount of their adult weight in garbage throughout their lifetimes, there are plenty of potential resolutions to choose from. The question, however, is whether you know how to choose the right resolution for our current situation and whether you know how to make that resolution stick. Here are just a few ideas that will help you set realistic but impactful goals for 2021.
Determine What Matters Most
It's important to zero in on areas that actually matter to you when setting resolutions, rather than establishing a goal you just
think you should have. Ultimately, you're going to be more likely to simply give up on resolutions that don't have any personal meaning. Figuring out the motivation behind a particular resolution can change your perception, as well. Make sure your resolution is both personal and meaningful enough so that you're emotionally invested in the outcome. Otherwise, there's a good chance you'll abandon your resolution before February arrives.
To find a resolution that truly matters to you, think about the situations in your life that cause you the most stress and determine a goal that will allow you to alleviate those negative feelings. If, for example, you experience anxiety pertaining to unexpected costs, you might be able to take more actionable and meaningful steps to prevent those undesirable feelings. That way, even if you have to visit a medical specialist or you get into a car accident, you'll have more control over your financial situation and may not experience the same level of emotional upheaval as a result. Since
collision claim frequency increased by 2.6% between 2014 to 2016, you'll be prepared even if a traumatic situation does occur. Once you're able to zero in on the personal repercussions of
not setting a resolution, you may figure out what will motivate you to keep it.
Get Specific and Think Short-Term
A more personalized goal can help you stick to your resolution, but so can opting for a specific, short-term goal. A broad goal like "being healthier," "losing weight," or "saving money" can feel unattainable; it's easy to become discouraged when you don't have a detailed end goal in mind. It's important to get into the nitty-gritty when you set a resolution -- whether it's to lose 10 pounds by April 1 or to save an extra $500 during the next six months -- so that you can track your progress accurately. It may also help you to think small. Getting carried away (either with the goal itself or the timeframe) can also set you up for failure. Rather than give yourself 12 months to achieve a real reach of a resolution, break it up into smaller parts. Give yourself a daily, weekly, or monthly goal that's truly reasonable. Once you achieve those goals, you can continue to expand on your progress. That will actually motivate you to keep going and stick with your resolution over time.
Cut Yourself Some Slack
Realism is important when setting resolutions. If you choose one that's too lofty, you're bound to abandon it and become disheartened. The same can be said for any resolutions that encourage unhealthy behaviors, like extreme dieting. What's more, pushing yourself to set a resolution at all might not be in the cards for you this year. Don't think of yourself as a failure for not being overly ambitious. The pandemic has been emotionally trying for everyone, and while we may be getting used to this way of life, that doesn't mean we can act like everything is normal. If you find you need to adjust your expectations after setting a resolution, that's okay! Amending your goal doesn't mean that you're not working hard; it just means you hoped to do more than you can actually handle at the moment. And if you find your heart is no longer in your original resolution, give yourself permission to focus on a different goal for the rest of the year. Really, your resolution is for
you. Figure out something that will improve your life and forget about what someone else might think about it. And if you need to give yourself a bit more time to find it, don't beat yourself up. The date of January 1 is an arbitrary one. You can decide to change your life, even in the smallest of ways, at any point you want.
For some people, setting resolutions is an important tradition to start off the new year. If you do decide to establish some goals to achieve in 2021, keep these tips in mind to increase the chance that you'll stick to them -- and that you'll be proud of the progress you've made once next year comes to a close.
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