It’s a few days into the New Year, and as the norm, many have already made resolutions for the year. Year after year, many make these decisions, but a few weeks into the year, they’re off track. When this happens, it can be demoralizing and if it’s happened to you, be sure that you’re not alone (about 75% of those who make resolutions fail to stick with their goals).
We’ve all got great intentions; everybody wants the very best, and there’s no better time to start than at the beginning of a new year. However, we tend to put a lot of unnecessary pressure on ourselves. Often, the focus is on “what” and not on “how.”  A healthier lifestyle, weight-loss/fitness, making more money, marriage – whatever the resolution, being more concerned with the goals set than with the specifics of how to accomplish the goals is more like setting one’s self up for failure. Isn’t it?
Right before penning down your New Year resolutions, think about what you want to do and not what you should do. “What should I do this year?” “What should I stop doing?”, “What do other people suggest I should work on?” these are most of the questions people ponder on but it’s a common mistake. More like a wrong start in the right direction – a fire that invariably burns out after a couple of setbacks. Why? No heartfelt desire hence no commitment.

To be successful at any planned change, you need to desire it. Unless you take the time to consider what it is you want (rather than what you should do or should stop doing), you will not be entirely motivated. Make resolutions you are committed to – don’t make one simply because it is “the thing to do,” or because someone has told you that you should.
Set specific goals that are in line with your life-values. To remain on track, make fewer resolutions in the first couple of weeks of 2017 to allow yourself to focus on what you want to achieve actually. Too many goals at the same time usually lead to confusion and of course, little or no achievements.
Do your own thing gradually; from baby steps to adult steps. You can always add more as you achieve the set targets. And where there are setbacks, identify where you went off target so you can get back to it straight-off. There isn’t any point for self-flagellation, is there?
As you hit your goals, celebrate smaller wins towards small goals. Doing gives you a feeling of accomplishment. You’re motivated and more committed to aim for bigger ones.
Above all, be flexible. Change doesn’t happen overnight, and some unexpected circumstances may occur. When they do, focus on your continued progress; revise the steps in accomplishing your goals if need be, but remain resolute and optimistic. You’ll sure get there. When life hands you lemons, you make lemonades, right?