3 Steps to Setting a More Realistic New Year's Resolution by Megan T.

Do you remember New Year’s Resolutions? I am sure you do. It is currently the first week of 2021 and you might have a specific goal for the new year. Even if you didn't make your resolution on January 1st, goal-setting can make a positive difference in your life. Here are three tips to help you set and achieve your goals in the new year.

1. Pick a challenging but realistic goal.

Your resolution can’t be impossible (like living in space), but it still has to be something that you need to work hard for in order to achieve. Just remember that it takes more than a few months for great influencers to achieve their dreams and desires. Also consider setting a goal for yourself that suits your passion.

2. Don’t stress yourself out.

You might set a goal to do something every day or develop a skill in a certain amount of time. If you can create a routine and turn that behavior into a habit, that's great, but don’t stress out if you miss a day or encounter an obstacle that seems to derail your progress. Some people are too hard on themselves when they make mistakes or improvement is hard to notice, and others might just be scared to pick a goal in the first place because they're afraid of failure. Nobody is perfect and that is perfectly fine. “I am not telling you it's going to be easy, I'm telling you it’s going to be worth it,” says Art Williams, a businessman and motivational speaker.

3. Don't quit.

Even though you need to give yourself some grace, once you set a goal, you still have to work for it. What is the purpose of setting a goal if you’re not going to push yourself to achieve it? Although putting in hard work to achieve your goal is easier said than done, some people may get lazy or easily discouraged. Just work hard and don't give up!

Over the years, as an avid soccer player, I have been working hard and pushing myself more and more. I don’t let anybody convince me to back me down, and I've learned more about myself everyday. These three tips apply to everybody, whether you're an athlete, a musician, a student, or just someone who's trying to be a better version of themselves.

Although it is the time of year for trying to achieve your New Year's Resolutions, it's never too late to set and challenge yourself with other great goals throughout the year. Make a plan and have fun accomplishing some goals!