The beginning of a new year brings with it a prime opportunity to make a change. Maybe you have been wanting to spend more time with family, reduce stress, work less, eat healthier, exercise more or quit smoking. Regardless of what change you want to make, there’s no better time than now to make it. However, change is never easy. Here are some tips to help you make new year goals and achieve them.

Set Goals
Decide what you want to achieve this year and write it down. Be specific. Set challenging, yet reasonable, goals for yourself. If your goal is too easy, you may not be motivated to achieve it. If your goal seems too difficult, you may give up easily. Your goals should also be measurable. It will be easier to see your progress if your goals are measurable. Measure how you are doing against your goals throughout the year, and adjust as necessary.

Make a Plan
Once you have established your goals, try to break them down. Determine how you can make even small changes in your life. Write down steps you can take toward achieving your goals. You do not have to make a complicated plan; just brainstorm (continued on page 2) enough ideas to give you a place to start. Do not try to do it all at once.

Getting Around Obstacles
You may encounter some obstacles when trying to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. For example, you may find that you do not have time to go to the gym or prepare healthy meals while traveling or during extended work periods. Develop strategies to help you get around the obstacles. Plan in advance how you will handle it if you encounter that obstacle. Building social support into your goal can also help you get around obstacles. Involving your friends and family in your plan can be very helpful strategies.

Seek Resources and Support
Find out if anyone else around you shares your goals. Maybe your co-worker is also trying to quit smoking. Use one another as a support system. Get your family and friends involved in your change. Non-profit or community agencies may also have resources available that can assist you in achieving your goals.

Rewards
Remember, change is a process. Establish rewards for yourself for each success. Do not wait until next year to look at your goals and see what you achieved or where you failed. Do this at all the measurement points you built into your plan.

Top 10 Most Common New Year Resolutions
1. Lose weight
2. Stop smoking
3. Stick to a budget
4. Save or earn more money
5. Find a better job
6. Become more organized
7. Exercise more
8. Be more patient at with others
9. Eat better
10. Be a better person

Source: www.GoalsGuy.com

The Small Business Wellness Initiative offers a variety of programs that utilize goal-setting strategies.  For more information, contact us at 817.921.4260, ext. 258.