Top 5 Tips to Stick with Your Goals

Many people begin a new year by making a resolution or a goal to work toward. Despite our best intentions, more often than not our resolutions fade away before February. But, this doesn’t have to be the outcome this year. The following tips will help make 2017 the year you finally reach your goals.

1. Create small goals to help you achieve your overall goal. If your goal is to lose 50 pounds or to quit smoking, give yourself a realistic amount of time to reach that goal. Goals are rarely attainable overnight or in a week. So, focus on one week or one month at a time. You can track your progress and see what is working for you. Setting small goals will make a big difference in the long run.
2. Look for new strategies to reach your goals. If your goal is to exercise more, find something new to incorporate into your life to help you. Try wearing a pedometer, keeping an exercise journal or simply find a friend to workout with. A new strategy can help give you the boost to keep your goals on track.
3. Evaluate your progress. If you haven’t been as successful as you’d like, determine what barriers you’re experiencing. Once you’ve identified the setbacks, brainstorm specific ways you’ll overcome them.
4. Create a routine. When you have a routine, the activity becomes automatic. So, set a routine, stick to it and it will become second nature.
5. Get support. Look for guidance and support from family, friends and co-workers. Find someone to exercise with or make shopping for healthy foods a family activity. If you are a Network Health member, you can earn rewards for healthy behaviors. Visit networkhealth.com and log in to your account to learn more.

Set backs are bound to occur throughout the year, but don’t give up. Stay determined and keep at it so you will be able to say you really are better next year.