The New Year motivates us to make resolutions in an effort to improve our lives. Thoughtful changes have the capacity to transform us and provide necessary personal growth. Here’s how to set powerful goals and then make them stick.

1) Think small but smart.

Limit yourself to one or two key changes (you cannot change your life overnight). Pick changes that will have the most positive impact on your life. What’s bringing you down the most? What needs to change to fix this problem? Then formulate an achievable goal that directly tackles this problem.

2) Think baby steps and be realistic.

You have determined that sitting all day at your desk and a general lack of movement in your life is making you fatigued, lethargic, cranky, and contributing to constant aches and pains. You know this needs to change. So your priority now is a regular exercise routine. However, time is tight and you can’t commit to 3-4 days of hour-long uninterrupted exercise.

Start where you can. Engage in a fun exercise routine 1 or 2 days/week. If even that’s a stretch right now, then begin with a 20 min walk or short yoga video once a week. Then add on as you figure out how to tweak your crazy schedule in a way that actually works for you. Commit to adding on and adjusting at least monthly. This will ensure continuity, so eventually you will have a regular regimen that diminishes your fatigue, lethargy, aches/pains and provides you with much needed energy, flexibility and a welcome mood boost.

3) Consider what has to go.

You often have to let go of things to make room for the new – unhealthy habits, flawed thinking, and wasted time that instead would be better spent working towards your new goal. What do you need to let go of to make the new goal stick?

4) Write down “your goal” and “why you chose this goal” on your phone or a small piece of paper and keep it close to you at all times.

Why is this change so important to execute? What will you gain? How will it change your life? Why is it worth the effort to make this change?

6) Pull out this note and read it when the inevitable excuses start – when temptation, laziness or the comfort of reverting to old habits hits.

Don’t believe the lies you tell yourself in order to get out of following through on your goal. Move beyond the denial and instead be true to yourself.

7) Get the support you need.

Talk with your spouse, family, colleague or boss about your goal and ask them for their understanding and assistance. Teaming up with a partner or friend with similar goals can also be extremely beneficial.

Consider hiring a health coach for professional expertise and guidance with meeting your health related goals. As a functional nutrition and lifestyle coach, I offer a 50 min free consult to help you decide if this is the route for you.

8) Lastly, never give up on yourself.

When you cave-in or find yourself slipping, be gentle with yourself but still get back to business. Pay attention to what is making you slip and intelligently resolve the issue. You are capable and your goal is worthy. Moments of weakness are a key part of the process. View them as opportunities for growth on your path to success.

You have the power to create the life you want to live. Dream big. Live big.

Make 2017 your best yet.

Love and hugs,

Priya