New Year; New You?
Happy New Year from the Phase team! We hope 2025 is full of blessings for you and your loved ones!
Most of us think of New Year as a time of fresh starts, big dreams, and resolving to make positive changes. But let’s be honest - upholding those resolutions beyond February can be tough! Whether you’re a student aiming to stay organised or a parent looking to spend more quality time with family, it’s easy to start strong and then lose momentum.
Don’t worry - there are simple strategies to help you stay on track. Here are five tips to help you make those resolutions stick:
1. Start Small and Be Specific
Ambitious goals like “I’ll study for three hours every day” or “I’ll eat no junk food all year” sound great in theory, but they can be overwhelming. Instead, focus on smaller, more achievable goals.
For example:
• Swap “I’ll get healthier” for “I’ll drink a glass of water with every meal.”
• Instead of “I’ll be more productive,” try “I’ll write down three tasks to complete each day.”
The key is to make your goals specific and manageable. Breaking them into smaller steps makes progress feel achievable, and small wins build momentum over time.
2. Write It Down and Keep It Visible
There’s something powerful about writing your goals down - it helps you commit to them. Put your resolutions where you’ll see them every day: on a sticky note by your mirror, a screensaver on your phone, or a poster on your wall.
Seeing your goals regularly serves as a reminder of what you’re working towards and keeps you motivated. For added inspiration, include a meaningful quote or photo to remind you why the goal matters to you.
3. Build Accountability
Accountability can be a game-changer when it comes to sticking with resolutions. Share your goals with someone you trust: a friend, family member, or mentor. Ask them to check in on your progress.
What's more, having someone on the journey with you makes the road more enjoyable. We all know going to the gym is easier with a gym buddy (we all need someone to spot us for our max bench press attempt)! Reading a book is almost always more interesting when we have someone to chat about it with.
You’re more likely to stick with your resolutions when someone is cheering you on and holding you accountable. Better yet, offer to do the same for them - it’s easier to stay committed when you’re supporting each other.
4. Celebrate Small Wins
Don’t wait until you’ve achieved your entire resolution to celebrate. Acknowledging small victories along the way keeps you motivated.
For example:
• If your goal is to save money, treat yourself to something small (but meaningful) when you hit a savings milestone.
• If you’re trying to read more, celebrate finishing each book.
Celebrating progress reminds you that you’re moving in the right direction and makes the journey more enjoyable.
5. Be Flexible and Keep Going
Life happens, and no one is perfect. If you stumble, don’t give up! Resolutions are about progress, not perfection. Adjust your goals as needed, and remember that every day is a new opportunity to start fresh.
For example:
• If you miss a few days of exercise, don’t quit - just pick it back up.
• If your original plan feels unrealistic, tweak it to better fit your schedule or lifestyle.
Staying flexible helps you avoid the all-or-nothing trap and keeps you moving forward, even when things don’t go as planned.
The Bottom Line
Sticking to resolutions is all about building habits that last. By starting small, keeping your goals visible, building accountability, celebrating your wins, and staying flexible, you can make this your most successful year yet.
So, grab a notebook, share your goals with someone, and get ready to crush it in 2025. You’ve got this!