Being Resolute in Resolutions

The word resolute can sometime freak people out. I think we’ve put so much into resolutions that some of us have come to hate any form of the word. The problem is that we put to much weight into the resolution of the beginning of the year that most are either totally against it, there is to much pressure to complete the task, or the few that actually use their resolutions to keep them motivated to succeed. 

To be resolute means to be determined and unwavering, so essentially its unwavering determination. The problem is that those that make resolutions at the beginning of the year don’t put a plan in place to keep that determination going. It runs out of steam and then they are left disappointed.  

It’s not always easy to be resolute in your New Years resolutions (ambitions), for some, like me, it’s really hard. Things get in the way, life alters your route, you name it, it can happen. Here are some things that harm resolutions (ambitions):

Distractions

Family

I wouldn’t say family gets in the way, but they can definitely become a distractions. Everyone is vying for you attention just when you are sitting down to get something done. You kids are asking question after question like you are a human encyclopedia or your kitty decided that is the time they want all your attention. 

You love your family, but there are times they can distract you from your goals and slow down your progress by taking your attention away from what you deem is important. 

Activities/Holidays

Perhaps you planed some activities, but didn’t quite get done with a task and believe you can do both or the holidays come around and you have the same thought, you can do both, right? There’s a quiet place for you to sneak off to to get something done for at least a few minutes, right? 

Now if you’ve been able to do this, kudos to you, because I seriously cannot. People wonder why you are being unsocial, why you aren’t participating and it’s a whole mess when you try to explain. Not everyone is supportive or believes you should put it aside for those events. 

Your Own Mind

If you know me at all, you know the struggles I’ve had this past year and half. Getting out of your own dark pit of hell is one of the hardest things to do. Your mind plays tricks on you; tells you you’re not good enough; or gives you panic attacks you can’t control. That’s when you know you’ve hit the bottom of the pile. The only way to go now is up. 

Resolutions Change

Sometimes your original resolutions are no longer pertinent as the year goes on and they have to change, or the situations change so the resolutions must also. You’re moving, you’re having a baby, someone passes away unexpectedly, you’re or someone you know is getting married – whatever the case may be, there are times where those resolutions (ambitions) you made at the beginning of the year need to change. 

Lack of Motivation/Gumption

There are days you just don’t want to get out of your nice comfy bed, you can’t do a task without a snack, or you just want to sit down and do something fun like watch a movie or play some games. 

Trying to stay motivated to continue the journey and tasks you set for yourself is not easy. It take determination, will power, and sometimes courage to get up and do what you said to yourself you were going to do. 

Things will always get in the way of your goals, but it’s up to you to get back on track and push forward. No one can get you to do what you set out to do, but you. Yes, you can have a cheer team, but ultimately you have to do the work, so let see what we can do to fix some of these problems, shall we? 

Solutions

Routines

Create routines for yourself, habits that will help not only gain traction on your goals, but help better your life as well. Start a morning routine, an evening routine, and even a before lunch routine if needed. 

You can add whatever you feel would help you on this journey you are on. Meditation, list making, planning, whatever helps you get organized, get more sleep, feel good about your progress, etc. 

Change with the Changes

There are just some times where you need to change with the things that are changing in your life. Here, you can roll with the punches, or you can put a plan in place for things you think could happen. You never know and you will be glad that you thought of it, if anything of that type ever did happen. 

Find/Put Into Place Ways to Stay Motivated

There are many ways to stay motivated, find out what works for you and put it in place today.

Sticky Notes

Write things on them that will keep you going with your goals and post them around your house where you will see them. Quotes, your next small task, a reward… whatever will motivate you to keep with your goals.

Journal

What better way to keep with your goals and stay motivated than keeping a journal of your journey. Write down those goals, your steps to achieve them, quotes, images and everything else that will help you stick to your plans.

Motivational Videos

This is something my husband does when he needs motivation and I’ve listened/watched with him. I have to say they do provide motivation when you need it most. Just search ‘motivational videos’ and see what it can do for you.

Encouraging/Motivational Quotes

Everyone likes encouraging and motivational quotes. Find some you like or find inspiring, print them, put them as your computer/tablet/phone background, or keep a file of them to look at when you need. Keeping visuals handy always helps keep things in the front of your mind.

Small Achievements

Even though our goals tend to be large in size, having those small accomplishments have a way of keeping us on track and providing their very own motivation to get the next milestone under our belts.

Vision Board

For those of us that are visual people and possibly creative, you can create a vision board with all the things that will keep you focused on your tasks. Quotes, images, success, small objects make great additions to boards like these.

Small Rewards

Give yourself small rewards for achieving those small tasks. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. I know an author who rewards herself with her favorite food (tacos) when she finishes a book. Take what you love and make it your reward for completing those major milestones.

Find a Partner 

Ever heard of an accountability partner? Yep, they are great here, work together to keep each other going and you’ll both win. Even better, get a group of people together to encourage one another, then have a party to celebrate when you all succeed!

Plot Your Progress

Whether you are using a journal, planner, or getting a bit more creative like chain links to cut, find a way to plot your progress so you can see just how far you’ve come (and how far you’ve yet to go). Taking off a ring for certain tasks (or certain amounts if you’re doing a financial goal) is a great way to stay motivated and serve as a wonderful visual.

Keep the End in Mind

That end result is what we are all striving to achieve. Keep it in mind as you go along your journey and you are sure to accomplish your ambitions.

Final Thoughts

There are many things that can keep us from achieve those things we’ve set out to accomplish, but there are so many ways to overcome those hurdles and find your progress on the path to success.

How are you doing with your ambitions/goals/resolutions? What are you doing to stay motivated, encouraged and on track to succeed?