How to Make the Most of Your New Year’s Motivation
New Year’s Eve is a time to honor and celebrate year that’s behind you, but it’s also the perfect time to look forward. You don’t have to call your goals for the coming year a “resolution,” especially if that brings up memories of resolutions that didn’t go well in the past.
It doesn’t matter what you call the change you want to make. What matters most is why you want to make it.[1]
Set a goal you care about.
Achieving any goal, big or small, takes hard work. That’s why it’s important to choose one that feels worth your time and energy. When choosing what to focus on this year, ask yourself:
Why does this matter?
What will I get out of it that makes it worth the effort?
Why you want to make a change in your life is personal. Maybe it’s to be able to be there for a loved one when they need you, or to build a better future for yourself. Whatever your reason for choosing a goal, make sure it means something to you.
Try this tip: Write down the reason behind your goal for the new year. It can be as simple as “I am doing this because I want to be here to see my grandkids grow up.”
Over time, your “why” can become the nudge you need to not give up.
Start small.
Picture this: you flip to the first page of your new calendar and your schedule is full of things need to do to reach your new goal.
How do you feel when you see the steps laid out? If the image in your mind is overwhelming, think smaller. You’re more likely to reach a big goal by taking small steps rather than taking on too much too soon.[2]
Choose one or a few little things to make part of your normal routine that will help you make progress over time. Make it clear and small enough that you know you can achieve it. For example, if your goal is to lose weight, focus on the behaviors that can support your goal, rather than the number on the scale. That might look like replacing your sweet or salty afternoon snack with a whole food alternative, like a handful of nuts or a piece of fruit.
Confidence is important, especially when you’re starting. Choose small milestones to aim for and build up your confidence and skills over time.
Track your progress throughout the year.
How will you know you’re making progress unless you track it?
Daily, weekly, monthly checks to track your progress. While it’s important to keep your expectations realistic and not to expect major change to happen overnight, tracking helps keep you motivated. When you see that you’re making progress—however small—you’ll realize that every step is taking you in the right direction. Healthy changes to your everyday routines add up over the course of a year.
Higi can help!
Ready to turn the excitement of the new year into fuel for your goals? Head to a local Higi station to track all your health and wellness goals. At each Higi station, you’ll find opportunities to get expert tips and resources to help with goals that keep you healthy.
1. Want to make a change? Find your motivating 'why' – American Heart Association
2. Remember those resolutions from long ago? Simple steps can keep you on track – American Heart Association