The right way to make a wish

Traditionally, New Year’s Day is the best time to start a new life. Are you keen to reinvent yourself in the new year? Do you want to get rid of bad habits or pick up new ones? Maybe these resolutions will be familiar — maybe they’re the same ones you made a year ago. But the good news is that, this time, we are here to help you see your wishes through.  

Choose one goal

Don’t try to change your whole life at once. Unfortunately, it won’t work.  Let’s be clear, huge changes are hard to keep. Luckily, there is a much more realistic way of doing it. Start with one thing you wish to change. Then, if you’re successful, you can go ahead and make another change. Go step by step, and by the end of the year, you’ll be a whole new person.

Make it concrete

You must know exactly what change you’re planning to make. Your resolution should be absolutely clear. Set a doable and meaningful goal. Something like “I want to lose weight” is too vague. However, “I want to lose five pounds in the next two months” is more concrete and more effective.

Pick the right day to start

You don’t have to make these changes on January 1st. If you truly want to make changes, pick a time that works for you. A day when you’ll be well-rested and enthusiastic, and have the energy to change your life. 

Still, don’t get too attached to a specific date. You should wait until your whole mind and body are fully ready.

Commit 

Make yourself accountable through a written promise. This will encourage you to slog through the tough spots. Post your promise on Facebook, tweet it to your followers, or create a special Promise e-greement. This way, you won’t just be promising yourself something; you’ll be signing an official document with yourself. The Promise contract includes your name, signature, and all the conditions. So, go out there and fulfill your dreams. There are no other options.

Make a plan

You cannot just wake up and change your life in one day. Sorry, it doesn’t work like that. You need a plan for what to do. If you start working toward a goal without a plan, you may quickly find yourself giving up when faced with any sort of obstacle. You can start by writing down your goal, making a list of things you might do to achieve that goal, and noting any obstacles that might stand in your way.

Cheer yourself up

Small rewards help keep you going during the hardest first days. If you are going in the right direction, reward yourself with a ticket to a basketball game, a new pair of shoes, or a good dinner. And don’t forget to ask family and friends to cheer you on. You’ll need it.