Making a new goal can be such an exciting moment, like a fresh start! Every year I look forward to making my New Year's resolution. But I'm sure we've all had that goal that we just didn't follow through on... raise your hand if you've been there (raising hand sheepishly). So I'm going to share my top five tips on making and keeping an awesome New Year's resolution, and I'll let you in on what my resolution is going to be this year!
1. Think long term but manageable. You want to think of a goal for the new year that won't take you 15 minutes to complete. I mean, that's a task more suited for a to-do list. You can do better than that! You want a goal that's either ongoing, or difficult enough that it may take you most of the year to accomplish it. That being said, don't set your goal so high that you can't realistically manage it.
2. Create a plan, and plan to start NOW. A good resolution is one that you can map out your success to. For example, if your goal is fitness related something like 'get fit in 2012' may not be as easy to plan for as 'run a half marathon in 2012.' The second goal is something you can make a plan to achieve. Once you have your road map to success, start immediately. Don't wait until next month, or until you have more time. Make time. Do it. Go!
3. Write down your goal and display it some where you will see it. I like to write my goals in a notebook I keep by my bed. Another great option is taped up on your bathroom mirror. You don't have to display it somewhere that others will see it, only you. But you want to be reminded of your goal, and why your doing it. You are more likely to succeed if you are reminded of your resolution often.
4. Reward yourself, and remind yourself why you made it your goal. We all like being rewarded for a job well done. So be good to yourself! If you've made some serious progress, or you are right on track with your plan after 3 months-reward yourself. Buy yourself a new dress, plan a mini trip, or even something small like a movie night out with friends. It's up to you but you are more likely to stick to your goal if you know you are going to be rewarded. Rewards are fun! Just saying.
5. Have a way to track your progress. This will keep you going, because it's another positive reinforcement for success. For example, I currently am working on a goal to bake a loaf of bread every week (I'm trying to become a master baker.... well, a really good one anyway). I take an instagram picture with my iphone of my loaf of bread every week. That way I can look back at all my weeks of success so far. Fuels the fire. Keeps you motivated and, frankly, proud of yourself as you work to achieve your resolution.
So here's what I'm doing this year. My New Year's resolution for 2012 is to make one craft project every week. It may be something for my home, to wear, for my dog, to give as a gift, etc. We make a lot of DIY projects around here already, but these are going to be a little more personal to my life. Plus I spend a lot of my creative efforts toward baking and recipe development, so this will be a bit of a challenge for me. It's a little out of my comfort zone, and that's exciting! I will probably share a few of my projects with you, and I will be chronicling all 52 projects over at my Food Coma blog. How about you? Do you have any New Year's resolution plans yet? xo. Emma
these are such awesome tips! Will definitely come in handy ;)
Posted by: debbie | December 26, 2011 at 06:34 PM
This is a really great post. I often create goals but get so overwhelmed I give up.
I can't focus too much on the future so I think I need to make goals more attainable.
Posted by: larissa | December 26, 2011 at 06:58 PM
Last year I had 27 goals and I can't wait to make this year's list! :)
-Arielle
www.humblepievintage.com
Posted by: Arielle | December 26, 2011 at 07:02 PM
Excellent post! I'm a pedantic list and goal maker. I do each of these things, but don't DISPLAY my progress. I love the idea of taking progress-polaroids and all adopt it immediately. Thanks for the tips, Emma!
Posted by: Van | December 26, 2011 at 07:38 PM
These are great tips!
My goal is to not be so critical of myself. Easier said than done ;)
Posted by: Nicole @ Giraffelegs | December 26, 2011 at 07:38 PM
Oh my goodness, Emma! You have inspired me totally. I usually make goals every year but frankly I just end up brushing them off! One goal that I've made and stuck to (well sort of) was to start losing weight in 2009. Since then, I've lost 80lbs!!! I know it's so cliche to lose weight just because it is a new year, but I started on christmas day of 2009! I still have a bit of a way to go, (48 more to be where I'd "love" to be!) so this year I'm making it my effort to eat healthier meals! I'm sure I'll make a lot more- I can't wait to post them to the blog now!
Posted by: Lyndsey | December 26, 2011 at 09:43 PM
I love this so much I decided to make time out of my night tonight to actually make my own new year's resolution plan!
http://crescendoblog.blogspot.com
Posted by: Krista Lynn | December 26, 2011 at 09:48 PM
I love this kind of post it motivates me!
http://www.ohmydior.org/
Posted by: oh my dior | December 27, 2011 at 12:19 AM
This is a very lovely and great post :)
teaandbubbly.blogspot.com
Posted by: Melody | December 27, 2011 at 02:30 AM
This post is a fantastic idea!
I love ti great job girl
Xx
www.pretpenser.com
www.pretpenser.com
www.pretpenser.com
Posted by: v | December 27, 2011 at 03:47 AM
Great post with some superb items - love it!
Posted by: Girl Vintage | December 27, 2011 at 03:51 AM
Great tips.
Thank you! :)
Have a great week!!!
Posted by: Mariana | December 27, 2011 at 03:57 AM
Yes, I'm going to start taking my writing seriously again. Eek!
Best of luck with your goal, Emma!
Posted by: Sarah Rooftops | December 27, 2011 at 04:25 AM
all the tips are bound to be useful!
Posted by: Joy | December 27, 2011 at 04:27 AM
oh that's so cute! i decided that would be my new year's resolution tooo!! and i thought about it last month heehee :D
cheers to that and to creativity!!
Posted by: Guia | December 27, 2011 at 07:19 AM
I hate when the gym gets super crowded around the holidays and then 2 weeks later it is dead again.
It's tough for most people to stay motivated but a lot of little goals such as: run 3 miles by the end of the week... and work your way up to the BIG goal is the best way to go.
Set little milestones :)
http://lifeaccordingtojesarmstrong.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Life According to Jes | December 27, 2011 at 08:20 AM
I'm planning to write a post about my resolutions in 2012. Nice tips I agree about all. I actually already had them in time.
http://missbobino.blogspot.com
Posted by: The life after | December 27, 2011 at 09:39 AM
Emma, I love your posts! (And Elsie's, don't get me wrong haha)
My New Year's resolution is to learn to sew. I've bought Mrs. Larson's ecourse on sewing, I have a Hello Kitty machine, and I'm an expert at making hair bows. My goal is to be able to sew a dress by the end of the year, and for smaller steps- maybe sew an item every month? Hmm, I'll have to think about that!
Oh, and I guess my other goal is getting my Master's, ha!
Posted by: laura | December 27, 2011 at 10:41 AM
I too plan to become a master baker next year! I'm really looking forward to following your chronicles of bread-baking. Thanks for sharing your tips!
Maria xx
www.cheekypinktulip.blogspot.com
Posted by: Maria | December 27, 2011 at 11:39 AM
I am making a list of personal, professional and travel resolutions and goals for 2012 and am very determined to complete them, or at least as many as possible. Wise words and advice re: rewards and making realistic goals... Oh and I can always tell when Emma is writing blog posts instead of Elsie - your writing style makes me smile!
Bird x
http://fly-away-birdie.blogspot.com
A blog about travel, loves and more
Posted by: Bird | December 27, 2011 at 05:09 PM