Make your resolutions count this year

New Year is a great time for reflection and planning ahead.

Most of us have some time off work, meaning that we have an opportunity to step away from our usually busy schedules and think about the big picture. It’s a chance to think about the last year: what went well and what didn’t go so well – and why. And to use those reflections to help you plan the year ahead: what do you most want to achieve? But in reality, most New Year’s resolutions don’t stick around for long. The gyms that were so busy in January are all but ghost towns by March and all that well-intentioned time you allocated for hobbies slowly fades into the old routine. If you’re looking to try something different this year, here is my advice to help you make your resolutions count.

Focus on one or two things you want to change

Committing to 10 life-changing resolutions at the start of the year is enough to make anyone go a bit crazy and give up! Focus on the most important things that you want to achieve – what is going to make the most positive change in your life, for example – and set one or two realistic goals around that.

Make sure they’re achievable

Choosing goals that are too drastic or feel unattainable from the start can set you up for failure. For instance, if you struggle with maintaining a healthy work-life balance, setting a goal to leave the office at 6pm on the dot every evening is not realistic. Start with incremental goals, and when you hit your first target (maybe to get home early twice a week), then take it to the next level. You will feel encouraged by the accomplishments which should help drive you to take the next step without feeling overwhelmed.

Make yourself accountable

It’s easy to focus on your resolutions in January, when many of your friends and colleagues are doing the same. But after the initial momentum and buzz wanes, what are you planning to do to keep yourself committed? Come up with a system that will keep you accountable. It could be a friend who offers support and encouragement or an incentive that you set for yourself. Whatever it is that you think will most keep you committed to your goal, make sure you have something that will ensure you stay on target.

New Year, New Job?

Is a new job one of your top priorities this year? We will happily help you get off on the right foot with this one. Send your CV to enquiries@hansonsearch.com and one of our expert consultants will be in touch.