8 Motivation tips to maintain good resolutions in the long term
 
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8 Motivation tips to maintain good resolutions in the long term

How often have we resolved to eat healthier, exercise more, or finally quit smoking, only to fall back into old habits after a short time? It is no coincidence that new registrations and visits to gyms boom every year at the beginning of January, only to decline again over the course of the month.

But why is it that we sometimes find it so difficult to motivate ourselves and achieve our set goals? One reason is that we simply take on too much. It is not realistic to turn your entire life upside down from one day to the next.

Another problem – many of our goals are too vaguely formulated. What does it mean to eat healthier? For one person, it may already mean giving up the daily chocolate bar, while others want to fundamentally change their diet. Going to the gym regularly can mean planning 2 additional training units for active people, while for others, running for half an hour once a week would already be an improvement.

We show you how to successfully implement your resolutions and goals with a few simple tricks.

8 Tips to achieve your goals

  1. Set clear, realistic goals

    One of the main reasons why resolutions often fail is the impossibility of integrating the set goals into everyday life. Be realistic in your planning and consider how you can incorporate your new habits into your daily routine. The first step to successful resolutions is therefore to clearly and realistically formulate your goals. Instead of vague formulations like "exercise more," you should set concrete, measurable goals, for example, "jog for 30 minutes three times a week." This creates clear guidelines that help you stay focused.

  2. Take small steps

    Big changes can often seem overwhelming. Break your goals down into small, manageable steps. If, for example, you plan to eat healthier, start by integrating an extra portion of vegetables every day. If you want to run a marathon, start with short distances and gradually increase. Small successes motivate and make the path to larger goals easier.

  3. Find motivation

    Find out what really motivates you. Whether it's a healthier lifestyle, more energy in everyday life, or simply the feeling of doing something good for yourself. Motivation helps you persevere even in difficult moments.

  4. Share your goals

    Share your resolutions with friends and family. By communicating your goals, you not only create a certain level of commitment but also a supportive environment. Friends can encourage and motivate you when things get tough.

  5. Find a partner

    Everything is more fun when you can share it with someone else. Find a partner who has the same resolutions as you. Together, you can motivate and support each other. This not only makes it more fun but also increases the likelihood that you will achieve your goals together.

  6. Visualise your goals and successes

    Better than just formulating goals mentally is to write them down or visualise them pictorially. Hang them, for example, on your fridge or memo board, so you have your goals in sight every day. You should also document your successes, which provides an additional motivational boost.

  7. Accept setbacks and be patient

    No one is perfect, and it is completely normal to experience setbacks. Accept that things may not go as planned. What is important is to learn from these experiences and to keep going, rather than letting them discourage you. Changes take time. You will not achieve all your goals overnight. Be patient with yourself and celebrate the journey, not just the destination.

  8. Reward yourself

    Every progress, no matter how small, deserves recognition. Set intermediate goals as milestones and reward yourself when you reach them. These can be small things like a relaxing bath, a good book, or a café visit. Rewards strengthen your brain's positive feedback system and motivate you to keep going.
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