We’re almost halfway through the “New Year” and you might’ve fallen short on those “new year, new me” resolutions. Some of you may have even refrained from creating resolutions because you thought the whole ordeal was overrated.
Sure you’ve heard people setting goals for themselves, but never put an official title on what they’re doing. It’s awkward to try and make a transformation mid-year right? Well as the cliché saying goes, there’s no time better than the present.
But there’s some interesting news for members of either side; you still have time to make changes or initiate something new for yourself. Let me introduce to you what I like to call “summer resolutions.”
However, in order to fully establish your summer resolutions, you need to take three steps: Set your goals, create a plan and execute them.
1. Setting your goals
Before setting up your goals, something I like to do is look at past goals I had previously set up. I do this because whether or not I lived up to them, I feel that they can outline other goals for the future.
Another method to try are S.M.A.R.T goals — meaning Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. You might have seen or heard of this acronym from your high school teachers. SMART goals are perfect because they can help you turn your broader ideas into direct and possible achievements. Additionally, you’re less likely to get overwhelmed if you know exactly what you want to accomplish.
2. Create a plan
Here is where you decide how you’re going to achieve your goals. If there is a certain budget, location, or any other aspects you need to factor, this is where it’s done. Be as thorough as possible and try to plan for the unexpected.
This can include printing out calendars, buying a planner, creating budgets, alarms…. literally do anything you need, to ensure your own goal success. After all, this is ultimately an investment in yourself, so make it worthwhile.
3. Execute it
Now, you’ve set your goals and created a plan it’s time to act everything out. You have all the tools, and it’s a matter of putting things into motion. This is probably the hardest part. If you get stuck or need help getting back on track, refer to your plan and goals. You hear it all the time, but remember why you started and that can influence you even more.
In all honesty, change is good every once in a while. These resolutions don’t have to be a dramatic turnaround or something that makes you unrecognizable. In fact, these summer resolutions can be a one-time simple act, such as a goal to smile three times a day.
Furthermore, I also find that these resolutions are a good way to check in with yourself too. Often leading to questions such as “Am I happy where I am?”, “Did I stick to the goals?” and “What changes do I still need to make overall?”
One of the biggest reasons why people fail at keeping their resolutions is because they view them as chores, and they aren’t. Your goals should be fun, inspiring and something you look forward to completing. Overall they should uplift you, not drain you.
While the New Year is almost over, there’s still time for a new you. To make up for lost time and set your own unofficial summer resolutions for yourself. Just be sure to create reasonable and attainable goals.
