Let’s be honest. I’m pretty sure just like me, you left a few of those January 2019 resolutions in March of 2019. The year got hectic, plans fell through, and you lost sight of the big picture. It’s never too late to pick up the baton again and try to create a change that can not only better you, but those around you as well. Simple changes can make those large life goals possible by using accountability steps and methods.
Write it Down and Make it Plain
In this case, seeing is believing. Seeing the goal or desire you have written down makes it a visual, and adding details along with deadlines makes it a plan. To make the planning process even more fun create vision boards with some friends and bounce ideas off of one another on how to go about reaching your goals. Discuss what did and didn’t work last year. Having a vision board party can also help you find an accountability partner. Someone might have similar goals and resolutions as you and working together can make the process easier. You can both offer each other encouragement and check on one another when rough patches occur. Once your vision board is complete it is best to place it in a location that you will see it repeatedly. Repeatedly seeing your goals and resolutions reinforces the idea that they are possible and within reach.
Proper Preparation
Change can seem intimidating, but proper preparation can pave the way for positive action. Preparation involves considering and assessing potential roadblocks you may encounter and placing yourself in the best environment to thrive. If your goal is to procrastinate less, then consider what distracts you from your work. For me, it’s my cell phone, but I’ve found ways to stop it from distracting me. I’ll work in the living room and leave my phone in the bedroom. This separates me from the phone and makes me less likely to pick it up since I don’t see it. You can also reinforce boundaries and make people aware of when you will have personal time and work time throughout the day. This ensures that your friends know when the best times are to call you and when you are available for social outings. Making yourself a priority is an essential part of preparing to succeed.
Going After What You Want
Going after what you want requires trusting the process and most of all trusting yourself and your abilities. When you know better, you do better, and therefore you should expect a better attitude and outcome from proper preparation. Show up early to class to get a better seat, arrive early to your exercise class, or even journal the process as you work towards your goals.
Reconciling with your Mistakes
Remember that a mistake does not equal failure. Learn from the mistake and think of how you can combat the issue if it arises again. Going after your resolution will also require you to make sacrifices. These sacrifices may seem challenging in the beginning but will be worth it in the end. Missing a few outings to get ahead on schoolwork will put you in a healthy mental mindset to not procrastinate. Make more time for things that matter to you and leave less room for the things that don’t.
While scrolling on Instagram I saw a post that said, “Eating healthy is a sign of self-respect.” In other words, many of our daily rituals are forms of self-respect. When we neglect ourselves and our daily rituals, we are neglecting ourselves. Selfcare, quiet time, exercise, studying, and therapy are all a sign of self-respect.
Reach Out for Help
Now that we have our confidence restored to achieve our resolutions, it’s time to use our campus resources to our advantage. The truth is that we as humans are stronger together and that applies even to all of my super independent women and men. Get it out of your head that seeking help is a weakness. It’s a strength to acknowledge and admit that you can’t do something on your own. There are people in place to give you guidance or point you to others who do.
Habits, Behaviors, and Lessons
The most important thing to remember is that “your pace is enough, and that you shouldn’t compare yourself to anyone else,” says Callie McCollins a second-year nursing student. McCollins also agrees that comparison can actually slow your pace and keep you farther away from your goals. It takes 21 days for a habit to form so why not start…. again today. Choose to make each encounter a lesson and channel your energy towards being proactive about your future.