Gear up for success with these top tips for setting successful resolutions.
1. BE SMART: A workable, successful resolution should involve the SMART principle.
S – Specific
M – Measurable
A – Achievable
R – Realistic
T – Timely
“So, to be successful with your resolution you should be specific about what you’re wanting to achieve, and make it measurable. You need to make sure that what you’re trying to do is in fact achievable and realistic; and if you feel that the goal meets all these criteria, then set a timeframe to help keep you on track,” says exercise physiologist Naomi Ferstera.
“Give yourself mini-goals within your goal. If you have 20kg to lose, set a goal for 5kg. It’s incredibly motivating to tick these off along the way.”
2. WRITE IT DOWN: Write all your achievements down in a little logbook to track your progress.
3. PHONE A FRIEND: Have a qualified individual on speed dial who can support you and hold you accountable to your goals. Choose somebody you can confide in, who’ll get excited for your little victories and give you support when you’ve strayed.
Even better, find a resolution ‘buddy’ to share the load. But again, choose wisely.
“You need to partner with people who will bring a positive mindset and share your determination,” says Kusal Goonewardena, sports physiotherapist and founder of Elite Akademy.
4. FIX YOUR ATTITUDE: What you don’t want is for the resolution to feel like a burden that is controlling you. Remind yourself that you are calling the shots and try to keep your attitude as relaxed – yet focused – as possible.
“It’s important to ‘remain in choice’ about your goal,” says Irving. “If you set a goal and then tell yourself you ‘have to’ do it, you’re undermining your own intention. Remain in choice – that you’re choosing to do whatever it is you’ve agreed with yourself to do – and it won’t begin to feel like a burden. You’ve chosen it and you continue to choose it.”
5. PICK A BEAT: Don’t forget the soundtrack.
“Make sure you’ve got some motivation music,” says Ferstera. “When I feel like quitting, I think about all my goals and put on my ‘pump up’ music. This distracts me from my negative feelings and gets me focused on my goals again.”