Tips to a Successful 2016!

It's almost that time! We are ready to be refreshed, to start with a clean slate.  2016 is going to be the best year yet! That is what we're all thinking right? It's what we all think every December is it not? So why do we often fail to succeed? More often than not, it is because we are not approaching our goals in the right way.  Today I am sharing 5 tips to creating your perfect New Year's Resolutions.

1.) Be realistic
This year I'm going to eat healthy every single day, I am giving up ice-cream and cookies forever. Yeah.  You spit lies.  One of the biggest reasons that New Year's Resolutions fail is because they are not realistic.  The minute you eat an oreo you have broken your resolution, feel like a failure, and give up.  Try to be realistic, it is incredibly important.

2.) Be Specific
This is especially important when it comes to holding yourself accountable.  I am going to be happy. ...okay? This is too vague. Be more specific. But Abbi! That's what I want! To be happy! If that is as specific as you can get, then you need to specify the steps you will take to achieve this.  For example, I am going to be happy by finding the best in every situation, and taking more time for myself when I need it. If you are too vague it is very easy to say well I was happy on Wednesday right? That counts right? WRONG! Be specific with your goals!

3.) Understand Goals vs. Bucketlist
Often times people find themselves failing because they are putting "Bucketlist items" on their list of resolutions.  Skydiving is not a New Years Resolution.  If you find yourself coming up with things like this, consider making two lists.  One for goals (the object of a person's ambition; directed towards bettering yourself) and a separate Bucketlist (experiences you want to achieve).

4.) Be Concise 
My list usually has a hundred things on it.  A long list breaks rule number one because it simply is not realistic.  If there are more than 10 things you want to achieve this year, try and fit them into categories.  This is not the only time you can set goals this year.  Try to find 3 or 4 very important ones, and then you can set new goals as the year goes on.  Think short but powerful.

5.) Write them Down
This is crucial if you're like me! I have a tendency to say one thing in my head, and then manipulate it to fit certain situations.  If I say I'm giving up chocolate, then I eat m&m's, I tell myself it's okay, because I'm only giving up chocolate bars.  That's logical right? No.  Write them down, that way they cannot be manipulated!

So these are my tips for keeping your goals! Just remember, if its something you really want, you do have the power to achieve it.  Keep your chin up, eyes on the prize.  And if you mess up? Congrats, you're human! Just start back up the next day! We all have the power to be the people we dream about being! The only way to get there is to start!

What are your New Year's Resolutions? How do you stay on top of them?