When new years rolls around and the countdown begins, it’s easy to get swept up in the “new year, new me” saga that seems to dominate the turn of the year.

But somewhere along the line, the excitement and determination slowly fades, and life begins to get in the way. Pretty soon you’re making excuses: I’m too busy with the kids to go to the gym, I’ll quit smoking once the stress of work calms down, I can’t eat healthier when my partner doesn’t…..

 Before you know it, your resolution is a distant memory and you’re back in that unhealthy lifestyle habit you were so eager to kick.

Having already passed the mid-year mark, and quickly approaching the Christmas season, many of us will have experienced a moment of panic, ashamed at our failed efforts to rejuvenate our lives and create “the new you.”  Some may hop on the bandwagon, hoping this time around something will stick.

However, the sad reality is that positive life-changes and resolutions more often than not have a short shelf-life much like a “fad diet”; we get caught up in the hype, but lose focus and motivation quickly, especially when we feel we aren’t getting immediate results.

In order to really make lasting changes to our lives, we may need to dig a little deeper, looking at some of our fundamental beliefs and internal stories we keep telling ourselves and find a way to overcome the obstacles that prevent us from achieving our goals.

Although there is no cookie-cutter route to achieving your goals, there are steps you can take that will help you reset your mindset and provide you with that little push you need to see your efforts through.

#1. Use your support network.

Whether it’s having someone who keeps you accountable for your choices, or using them as your own personal counsellor during times of frustration and demotivation, having someone in your corner supporting you will go a long way in ensuring you stay on track.

#2 Set yourself tangible daily tasks, as opposed to focusing on the overall goal.

When you look at your goals, they may seem overwhelming, and a little unachievable, which can be demotivating and reduce self-esteem levels. This is the leading cause for people to give up on goals and commonly prevents them from being achieved, despite best efforts.

As the saying goes “the journey of a thousand miles starts with just one step”, so take the time to plan out your goals in stages and work towards them slowly.

For example, if your goal is to lose 10kgs, start by switching your chicken sandwich out for a salad every lunch, or cut back on the midnight snacks. Although they aren’t going to see you lose 10kgs overnight, they will set you on the right path, and help boost your mentality.

#3 Reward a job well done is one way to increase productivity levels and affirm results.

But, I’m not talking about over-indulging yourself or undoing all your hard work. So avoid the sweet treats, or boozy nights out on the town, and find a reward that is good for both the body and the soul. For example, a bubble bath after a long week or a picnic in the park with the family is a great way to treat yourself without the guilt.

 Achieving your goals, no matter what they might be, is all about switching up your mentality and how you approach them. More often than not, we don’t achieve our goals because we don’t give ourselves the proper motivation and support needed to see them through.

So, before you start any goal ask yourself why you are doing this, and what you hope to see. Align your goals with your current values and beliefs and remember to be realistic with your expectations. Goal achieving and permanent positive change is not something that can be achieved overnight, so be prepared for a long, uphill battle.

Happy goal-setting MoMs!

Have you already planned your goals for 2018? Let us know your inspiring ideas in the comments below!