Hey, friends! I’m back on January 3rd, 2017 and guess my biggest new year’s resolution? Yep– blogging more.
I’m a big sucker for resolutions. I make a lengthy list every December and scream every goal from the rooftops. I think everyone I’ve seen in the last few weeks knows my first five. But hey, the reason I’m even writing this in the first place is because my 2015 resolution was to finally start a blog!
And while I know it isn’t realistic to achieve every milestone this year, goal-setting drives me. A fresh start thrills me. Writing it down makes me hopeful. So no matter how daunting, I write down my dozens of resolutions and do my best to revive them throughout the year. Here are some creative ways I’m going to keep mine alive in 2017.
Level I
1. Write It Down
2. Make A Plan
3. Get Specific
4. Tell a Friend
Level II
1. Set up recurring phone reminders
Pick one specific goal and an arbitrary time of the week to reflect on it. Then set an alarm. If you can’t pay attention to it when the alarm goes off, hit snooze until you can. You don’t need to hit the goal by the time it goes off– but just simply remember for a moment that this goal exists. Example: at 8:00 pm on Thursdays, I’ll ask myself if I have some volunteering planned for the month.
2. Share it on social media
I’m attempting veganism for the month of January (at a minimum) and I posted it on Facebook. Why? Because I knew if I shared it on Facebook, I’d be too embarrassed to be getting caught eating chicken wings three weeks later. I made a status asking for recipes and tips but the real reason I shared it was to make sure everyone in my orbit would hold me accountable. Plus, several vegans have reached out to me offering help and guidance.
3. Fill this out
Or make something similar. ?
4. Get a mug, magnet, phone case, etc.
The beauty of Etsy is that you can get something completely personal. I’m thinking of getting this mug that says “It’s Blogging Day,” to remind me of my goals for Soul Cookies. Maybe it’s as simple as getting a water bottle that says “Drink me!” or a phone case that says, “Be here now.” Get something that you see all the time and make it hit home.
5. Boomerang a video message to yourself
Ever used Boomerang for email? It’s a program that allows you to schedule out emails and even make them recurring. Maybe record a video of yourself explaining why you set a goal and send it to yourself on the first of every month. Or maybe you just write yourself a bunch of emails every Sunday night to go out throughout the week. You choose!
6. Hire a professional
Let’s face it. Sometimes, we need to pull out the big guns to achieve a goal. How incredible is it that we live in a world where you can Google a professional and have hundreds of options? It’s 2017 and we have Health Coaches, Nutritionists, Personal Trainers, Virtual Assistants, Professional Organizers, Therapists, Music Teachers, Language Tutors, Career Advisers and so on and so forth. You don’t need to face this goal alone and there are professionals who can make it happen.
7. Make an appointment
On January 16th, I have an appointment at 7 to make sure I’ve cleaned out my email inbox. If you ask me for plans around 7pm that day, I’ll tell you that I’m busy.
8. Sign up for a monthly subscription box
Here’s a fun twist. Order yourself a subscription box you’d be thrilled to receive…but there’s a catch. Map out a mini goal for every month of the year and promise yourself you won’t open it until you’ve achieved that goal. If you haven’t crossed it off, tuck it away until you do. Once you have, reward yourself!
9. Get a temporary tattoo
Because I’m far too afraid of my parent’s reaction to get an actual tattoo, I’ve had my eye on Inkbox for months. They’re the two-week tattoos that look completely legit. Maybe you get a tattoo that says “breath,“ and reminds you to meditate every morning. Or maybe you create a custom tattoo that pertains to your goal. Whatever the reminder may be, wearing it on your body will certainly keep it top of mind. Plus, they’re pretty cute!
10. Join a support group. Or start one.
Support groups are an incredible way to be held accountable. This month, I joined a fitness challenge Facebook group of people that are also attempting veganism. I’m also a Weight Watchers meeting junkie. Being part of a larger community with similar goals not only gives you the support you need, but it gives you tremendous inspiration. If the group you’re looking for doesn’t exist, make it yourself!
Brittney says
I love this great post!!! Excited to see how going vegan for the month works for you! I have made small changes to my diet but never going completely vegan. My yoga retreat in Costa Rica was vegan and was literally the best food I have ever had my entire life!
trosenberg2@gmail.com says
Ahh that sounds amazing! Jealous! It’s been 9 days and so far, I feel great! I actually can’t believe how easy it’s been in so far (though I’m only 9 days in). Will report back in a few weeks 🙂