It’s not always easy, creating a goal that you plan to enact month after month for the entirety of the upcoming year. For some, New Years Resolutions are overrated, a societal pressure that fails to inspire long term change. For others, this a time to put our wildest dreams to the test and find creative ways to make those dreams a reality. We like to think of New Years as a refresh; a time to reflect and reorganize. Here is our bulletproof plan to finding what you should resolve to accomplish in the New Year.

Journal

In 2019, Jackie is going to be unpacking the benefits of keeping a handwritten account of the things that matter most to you. Journaling is a great way to bring clarity to your thought process. Often times, we get so enwrapped in our own thoughts, that words seem to fail us and our thoughts create stress. When you take the time to sit down and write it out, you allow your brain to take a break and your thought process slows down with the careful writing of each word. Write down your favorite memories and experiences from this past year as well as the things that didn’t go according to plan. It’s a great starting place to think critically about the year ahead.

Think Big

The most beneficial thing you can do when setting a New Years resolution is think big picture, but only briefly. Think about what you want to see yourself accomplish by this time next year. Even better? Write it down. When you can visualize the big picture goals that you have in front of you, it allows you to break them down, little by little and create ways to make big things happen.

Think Small

After you’ve laid out what you want to accomplish by this time next year, pause and take a deep breath. This is a moment to be celebrated. You’ve created big picture goals, which is harder than it may seem. It is important if not completely necessary to then think about the short term. How are you going to get to where you want to be by next year? Create many small, attainable goals for yourself that propel you toward long term success.

Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously

One of the biggest reasons it is so common for people to fall out of their New Years resolutions is because they set the bar too high. If it’s unattainable from the get go, you are only going to find yourself being disappointed time and time again. If you want to lose weight in the year ahead, focus on making healthy choices, creating a workout regimen and staying active, but don’t be so hard on yourself that you leave no room for small failure. Small failures should not obliterate your long term resolutions, so leave room for error. We are all sure to run into it.

Share It

Don’t be afraid to share what you have committed yourself to. There are handfuls of research that points to the truth that when you vocalize your goals, dreams and aspirations to close friends and family, you are more likely to live into that goal. You are able to receive praise when you accomplish something big and support when you run into a bump along the road to success. Having a support system is an invaluable piece of goal setting and being proud of your New Years resolution. Find your tribe in 2019. Dream big. Work hard and don’t settle for less. Jackie ladies never do.