5 Tips to Accomplish Your 2013 Goals
As the new year begins, everyone is talking about their resolutions for the upcoming year. Often times these resolutions are short lived and never get accomplished. Do you have a New Year's resolution that you would like to stick to this year? If so, we want to help you be successful in reaching your goals! Read on for some helpful tips to accomplish your resolutions and get the most out of 2013.
(Photo courtesy of SimonPix via Flickr)
1. Set Manageable Goals - People frequently set unattainable long term goals that, on their own, are difficult to accomplish. Instead of setting a goal to lose 50 pounds in 2013 (1 main goal), consider shooting to lose 4 pound per month (12 mini goals) or 1 pound per week (52 mini goals). Creating smaller "mini goals" that are part of a larger main goal, increases your chances of success.
2. Put Money on the Line - Consider making a bet with a close friend to see who can lose the most weight or quit smoking the fastest. People are more likely to accomplish a goal or task if money is on the line. If you can't find a friend that is willing to bet with you, consider websites like stickK.com. This website requires users to choose an organization or group that they do NOT support. If your goal is not met, monies are automatically wired to this organization. The potential of sending money to an organization that you do not support, should motivate you to conquer your goals.
How stickK.com works:
- Create "commitment contracts" or goals defining what you want to achieve or accomplish
- Determine how much money you want to set as the "stakes"
- Decide who will monitor your progress (friend, wife, teacher, etc.)
- Create a team of supporters and invite people to help cheer you on
After significant research, Yale economists determined that people who put "stakes" (money) on the line are more likely to achieve the goals that they set out to accomplish.
3. Utilize Smartphone Apps - There are smartphone applications for almost anything these days. You can use apps to eat healthier, be on time, exercise more, etc. Listed below are examples of a few apps that may help you to accomplish your goals this year:
Couch to 5k - This application is designed for people who, as the name suggests, want to get off the couch and start running. Couch to 5k does a great job at creating a weekly program for people who are new to running. Users have the ability to sync specific music to their workouts as well as map their runs to determine distances, times, etc.
Cueup - This app is designed for those of us who are late for everything (myself). Cueup provides reminders (alerts) to notify you of upcoming events or tasks.
4. Remove Distractions - Take 20 minutes to come up with a "Stop Doing List". This list may include things such as checking Facebook, Twitter and email every 30 minutes. What will you do with an extra 2 hours per week?
5. Get More Sleep - People underestimate the importance of sleep and need to realize the benefits of getting 8 hours of sleep per night. Not only will you feel more refreshed, more rest allows your brain to retain more information. If losing weight is on your list this year, you may want to consider getting to bed earlier. Researchers at the University of Chicago found that dieters who slept more, lost more weight than those who slept less. According to Dr. Rapoport, "sleep and metabolism are controlled by the same section of the brain. When you are sleepy, certain hormones go up in your blood, and those same hormones drive appetite.
Do you have any other suggestions? Please let us know in the comments section below!
Happy New Year!