Embarking on the pursuit of our New Year’s Resolutions demands more than just sheer willpower – it requires a fresh perspective on motivation and a willingness to embrace unconventional strategies. In this guide, we’ll explore six unexpected tactics specifically designed to invigorate your journey toward achieving your New Year’s goals. From reimagining the concept of rewards to embracing setbacks as stepping stones, these strategies offer innovative approaches to realizing your resolutions. Let’s dive in and uncover how to harness the power of motivation in the pursuit of your New Year’s aspirations.
#1. Drop the punishment and reward system.
Telling yourself you can’t watch the latest movie release or go out with friends unless you work out 5 times this week is only depriving yourself of enjoyable activities. If you make it to the gym 4 out of 5 days, it can make you feel like you’ve failed, when in fact, completing 4 workouts is a great thing! In much the same way, promising to treat yourself, for example, to a massage or a new pair of shoes if you go for a run 3 times a week for a month, can actually decrease your motivation. This is because the treat becomes the thing you concentrate on, rather than focusing on the benefits of physical activity. Instead of getting distracted by treats, relish in the energy boost and positive outcomes of your new routine.
#2. Understand Your True Motivation.
Look beyond short term satisfaction and identify the deeper reasons driving your goals. When you dig a bit deeper to figure out the real reason behind your goal you’ll unleash a bigger drive for follow through. An example could be cleaning up your diet in an effort to look good for your trip down south for spring break. It’s likely your dedication to clean eating after you return from your trip will not be as strong as it was before you went on your vacation. However, if you associate your new routine with bigger picture ideals, such as feeling lighter and having plenty of energy to play with your kids, or being happy and feeling more confident in yourself, you’re more likely to continue your new healthy habits. Connecting your goals to fundamental values and long term aspirations will strengthen your motivation and endurance.
#3. Forget about Back Up Plans.
Avoid setting up safety nets that undermine your commitment to your primary goal. Having a back-up plan can dissuade you from committing fully. Let’s say you want to do the 6am bootcamp on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays, but tell yourself if you miss one day, then you can make it up by going for a walk on the weekend. The walk then becomes a very convenient excuse to not get up for Friday morning bootcamp when the alarm goes off. In reality, either activity is great, but it’s the act of going back on your word to yourself that hurts you in the end. By eliminating alternatives, you’ll be more inclined to persist in your original plan, while developing a sense of pride and self-respect, rather than succumbing to convenient excuses.
#4. Keep Your Goals on the Down Low.
Contrary to popular belief, immediately broadcasting your intentions may actually diminish your motivation. Simply announcing your plan to do a thruhike or enter a race can produce a sense of accomplishment quite similar to actually having done it, which can lessen your drive. Also, posting on social media as a means of accountability has its pitfalls too; if your progress posts stop, Jane from Accounting in the office you worked at 5 years ago won’t DM you asking for the latest update, nor will she give you the kick in the butt you might need when you fall off track. Instead, maintain a sense of accountability without external public validation. Consider private journaling, a personal accountability system, or engaging with a coach to stay on track.
#5. Focus on Small Achievements.
Break down your overarching goal into manageable tasks and celebrate each small victory. For example, you may want to go gluten/ dairy free, or transition to a non-GMO or vegetarian diet. This objective can be broken down into smaller tasks, such as planning out a menu for the week, clearing out leftovers from the fridge, setting aside items that can be donated or cooked and brought to gatherings, researching labels in one grocery store at a time, and so on. Crossing off a smaller task each day helps track your progress. Paying attention to the details and acknowledging progress reinforces your motivation and momentum.
#6. Acknowledge Near Successes.
View setbacks as opportunities for growth and resilience. Perhaps your business didn’t do as well this year, or you had to shut doors entirely. This doesn’t mean you should give up entirely on your dream; persist in your efforts to learn from the experience, adapt your approach and move forward. Remind yourself that all action leads to results, and some results are failure; in which case, you’ve gathered information on what to change and learn from for next time. Near wins serve as reminders of your capability and fuel your determination to conquer future challenges. Be compassionate with yourself and use setbacks as stepping stones toward eventual success.