10 Tips to "Get Er Done" This Year
Introduction
Not everyone is on a path to constant and never-ending betterment. But for those who are, having a set of strategies to make goals more achievable can be immensely helpful. In this article, we'll explore 10 tips to help you "Get Er Done" in the year ahead.
1. Keep Track of Your Activities and Behaviors
First, keep track of your activities and behaviors. Use an app, or just good ol’ pen and paper. What are you eating? How do you spend your time? Do this for a week. Then, analyze. Where are the problems? You know what they are, so write them down and what you want to do about them!
2. Focus on Changing One Thing at a Time
Pick ONE thing (the easiest one) to change. And don’t get rid of it, just focus on reducing it. Maybe it’s choosing brown bread, not checking email until 10am, making one day meeting-free, heavy carbs to fruit, regular pop to diet, walking to the farther bus stop. The goal is not abstinence, but improvement.
3. Address One Thing Each Month
Once you have reduced that ONE thing, pick another and proceed that way until you have addressed many of your identified problem areas. If you can tackle ONE thing per month, by the end of the year you will have made 12 improvements – excellent!
4. Less is Still Progress
Remember that less is still good, even if less does not mean NONE. You can get to NONE, but cold turkey is not usually successful (but in the place of ham – much better!).
5. Balance Exercise and Nutrition
If you are focusing on health goals, don’t think that the problem is always lack of exercise. That is part of it, but food is 70% (or more) of the health equation. If you commit to a new fitness program, without adjusting poor eating habits, your success will be limited.
6. Make Exercise Enjoyable
If exercise is not your thing, fake it until you make it. Try those activities that are exercise hidden as fun. Go for walk with a friend, grab a Wii Fit, try Zumba, join a dance class. Make small goals such as “I want to walk around the block without stopping” then when you can do that, make it two blocks.
7. Give Yourself Time to Form Habits
Remember it takes 3 weeks to 4 months to create a new habit. Give yourself a month to “try it” and if at the end of the month you are still struggling, pivot your change to something less difficult. Throw a calendar on the fridge, X out the days, circle your target (21 days, 30 days etc).
8. Avoid Gimmicks and Stay Dedicated
Don’t get caught up in gimmicks. They are just that. The only way to get there is through dedication and persistence.
9. Just Do It!
Just Do It! Nike is right – nothing beats just gettin’ er done! Your mind will play tricks on you the entire time. The real trick to going from “I want to” to “I am” is attaching a physical component. You have FIVE seconds to turn a thought into action. Think it, move towards it, and DO IT!
10. Find an Accountability Partner
Get an accountability partner. Friend? Coach? Colleague? Spouse? Find someone that knows your goals and that these are important to you and get them to participate in your success.
Conclusion
Achieving your goals requires dedication, persistence, and a strategic approach. By implementing these 10 tips, you can set yourself up for success and "Get Er Done" this year. Remember, progress is a journey, and every small step counts towards your ultimate objectives.
