Motivation for Turning 2017 Resolutions into Reality

Motivation for Turning 2017 Resolutions into Reality

January 5, 2017      |      Posted on Trevor BrownPosted in Total Well-Being
Motivation for Turning 2017 Resolutions into Reality

By Deanna Smith, ACI Content Contributor

Have a list of New Year’s resolutions posted on the refrigerator or bathroom mirror where you can see it every day? Great! Now, what about motivation to accomplish those goals? Here are a few tips for making 2017 productive and goal-oriented:

  1. Set a date. Goals may be health-oriented, such as “Start the Paleo diet” or “Start working out.” If you are lagging on starting healthy habits, set a date to begin the new regimen.“Start the Paleo diet on January 20” allows time to gear up for that day by researching recipes and menus, grocery shopping and getting everything ready for the start date.
  2. Plan out the year. Goals may be long-term projects, such as “Remodel the bathroom” or “Write a novel.” Create a 2017 plan and map out activities to accomplish any goal.For example, in January, get three contractor referrals. In February, interview contractors. In March, finalize design and in April, begin work! This provides a realistic timeline to follow to achieve your vision for a new June bathroom.
  3. Visualize it. Goals may be bucket list items, such as “Go paragliding” or “Go scuba diving.” Close your eyes and visualize the activity.Where are you? In Jamaica at a resort on the beach taking a scuba lesson. What are you wearing? Your blue swimsuit and sun protective shirt. Feel the snorkel in your mouth, the mask on your face, the warm water as you wade into the waves. See the coral and colorful sea life. Look up at the sun’s rays shining through the water. If you dream it, you can do it.
  4. Take a step today. Pick one resolution and do something today toward making it happen. If the goal is “Do more yoga,” then lay out yoga clothes. If the goal is “Eat quinoa,” then print out a recipe. If the goal is “Take a trip to Europe,” then go to the library and get a guidebook. Tomorrow, do this again. Every inch gets you closer to making it happen.

Following these steps, you might reach your goals so fast you’ll need to come up with mid-year resolutions!

For additional total well-being resources, contact your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by ACI Specialty Benefits at 800.932.0034 or eapinfo@acispecialtybenefits.com.