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What do you call goals that you know you will never complete? If you guessed New Year’s resolutions, you are correct. Among many other people, I am guilty when it comes to breaking my New Year’s resolutions. I usually don’t set a goal on New Year’s, and if I do, I never remember my resolution the next week anyway. However, setting a New Year’s resolution and sticking with it is actually highly rewarding and can be completed with a few basic steps.

Anyone can set a goal, and most people at least think about setting a New Year’s resolution. However, hardly anyone completes his or her goal, and by this time next year you will be setting the same goal you had this year. New Year’s resolutions will require some time and dedication. Sticking to your goal is hard, especially if you are like me and have never really accomplished a goal due to being busy. Despite my previous failed attempts, this year I actually had a good reason to set one, and I am determined to see mine through.

For anyone who does not have a New Year’s resolution idea, popular resolutions include losing weight, becoming organized, learning a new skill or hobby, living life to the fullest, saving more money, spending more time with family and friends, and reading more. More good ideas for New Year’s resolutions are getting better grades, doing better in a sport, becoming a better friend, being more positive, or any other personal goals you set for yourself. Setting a goal that aligns with your values is a good way to go.

Step one, decide on a goal. Deciding on a New Year’s Resolution is not simply about setting a goal. It is about looking back at your previous year and asking yourself what area of your life you want to improve. These goals are more beneficial because they reflect a part of your life that you want to change. They are most likely bigger goals that will alter your life forever. If you’re having trouble coming up with a goal, ask yourself why you want to make make this change and it will help you better decide on the goal.

Step two is planning. It is difficult to complete a goal if you do not decide how to complete your goal. Without an organized plan, you are allowing yourself to procrastinate and put off your goal. Making deadlines, coming up with a schedule, and creating a check off sheet are really good ways to stay on track. You must also remind yourself that the overall deadline is months away, so do not expect to finish your goal overnight.

Step three is staying motivated. You will question how important your goal is and if it is worth the work and effort you have to put in. I am going to keep a section of inspirational quotes and a list of consequence to keep me motivated. Keeping them visible as much as possible will inspire me to push through any difficult obstacles I have to overcome. Just remember why you are doing this. Working toward this goal will help you make your own future better.

Step four is working towards your goal. Although this part seems easy, it will most likely be the hardest part. Many people like the idea of working toward their goal, but when they actually do it, they are shocked by how hard and time consuming it is. There will be days that you will not want to work towards your goal, but you need to stay motivated and do the work. Even if what you do some days is not as effective, just slowly pace yourself over the year to meet your self-made deadlines and to eventually reach your goal.

In conclusion, if you follow these steps and stick with a New Year’s resolution, you will be greatly rewarded. Make sure that your goal is meaningful and important to you. Don’t give up when it gets hard. Stay motivated, and hopefully, if you follow my suggestions, you will be on the right path. Best of luck to you in the new year!