How many times have you set a New Year’s resolution, only to realize two weeks in that you’ve already failed? Then instead of getting back on the wagon, you just give up? This is pretty much me EVERY year. But this year I’m trying something different; I’m going to set realistic New Year’s resolutions. HERE’S HOW.
*This post may contain affiliate links. All content and opinions expressed are my own.*
Setting Realistic New Year’s Resolutions
The #1 thing about realistic New Year’s resolutions is they need to be attainable. Saying “I’m going to work out every day no matter what” is not a a realistic expectation of ourselves. You get sick. You’re traveling. Shit happens. Don’t put that kind of pressure on yourself. You’re not likely to keep a resolution like that.
INSTEAD, START OFF SMALL. Say something like “I want to be active 3-4 days a week for at least 20 minutes, even if I’m just stretching or going for a walk. But, if something comes up, I want to make sure I don’t go more than 3 days in a row without working out.” There, it’s simple, attainable, and best of all it’s realistic. Always take into consideration the fact that LIFE GETS IN THE WAY, and have a back up plan.
MAKE IT A GOAL. I don’t know about you, but “goal” sounds much less threatening than “resolution.” Resolutions suggest something concrete and unyielding, whereas a goal is something you can work towards. This year my way of setting realistic New Year’s resolutions is to make 2019 goals. My main goals are:
- Be more consistent with my blog
- Post 5-7 times a week on Instagram
- Post 3-5 times a week on Facebook
- Pin around on Pinterest 10 times a week
- Grow my Pinterest to 5,000 followers
- Grow my Instagram to 20,000 followers
- Grow my Facebook to 1,000 followers
- Have consistent blog pageviews of 100 sessions per day on average
- Grow my subscriber list on my blog to 500
To make these goals into realistic New Year’s resolutions, I have to make them attainable, which means turning them into SMART goals. Basically a SMART goal is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. My plan for making these goals SMART is to use resources (Tailwind and Buffer) to schedule out my posts during my protected blog time, which is on either Saturday or Sunday (whichever day my husband doesn’t work). For the growth goals, my plans include scheduling time to interact with current followers and new, and participate in monthly giveaways.
HAVING A PLAN is what can turn your New Year’s resolutions into realistic goals. What tips do you have about creating realistic New Year’s resolutions? Drop your 2019 goals in the comments below, and Happy New Year friends!
xo,
B
SUCH great advice! I totally agree with starting small. Otherwise we can get so overwhelmed and stop so quickly!
I totally agree, thanks Megan!
Wonderful post! I think focusing on attainable measurable goals is so important for long term success! Thanks for sharing!
-Madi xo | http://www.everydaywithmadirae.com
Thanks girl! xo
Love these tips! I’m a huge fan of setting realistic resolutions.
Thanks for reading Kerri!
I think its great to start with baby steps and work your way up! This was a really good read 🙂
Kasey Ma
http://www.TheStyleWright.com
Thank you so much Kasey, I appreciate that!
Yes! I don’t think we ever consider how often shit happens! Great suggestions for setting goals that are actually realistic!
Thanks so much Autumn!
Really great read, B! I’m new to your blog and I must say – I love how straight up your style is! I literally set that exact goal (work out 3x a week for at least like 20mins each time) and so far, I’ve followed through! Now if only I could meet those social media growth goals for my blog/site, THEN we’ll both be goal CHAMPS! Haha! Hopefully you’re keeping up with your resolutions still!
– Sarah from https://happylittletadpole.com
Hi Sarah, thanks for reading! That’s amazing, good for you!! So glad to have you here!