To really change something in your life: that's how you do it

Are there things that you would very much like to change in your life this year, but has it been so often after a few weeks? With these tips you really reach your goal. And you can also start after 1 January, because you determine the rules yourself.

Consider where you are doing it for

A lot of people want to lose weight, exercise more, eat healthier, stop smoking, etcetera. Still, it does not always work. The more motivated you are, the easier it is. So think carefully about what you want. What makes you happy, regardless of how it 'belongs' or how it 'should'? It is not about achieving a certain number on the scale, it is about feeling better in your body. Imagine as vividly as possible how nice that would be - you can evoke that feeling when it becomes difficult and motivates.

Be nice to yourself

If you have a clear idea of why you want to reach your goal, your intention is not to have to, but want to. That is a much more powerful motivator - because it must provoke resistance. And even if you really want something, it sometimes goes 'wrong'. Give yourself the time to crawl under a blanket if you need it (and not to exercise), allow yourself to eat something very tasty once a week. Precisely by letting go of occasionally you remain motivated. Tell yourself regularly that you are doing well.

Do not look too far ahead

You usually make intentions for a whole year, but that does not really make much sense. It is such a long period, it is impossible to see at all. First focus on the next three months - what do you want to achieve by that time? At the moment that you succeed, you set a new goal.

Remind yourself

Hang a nice photo of yourself, if you want to go back to an old size, so you regularly see what you are doing. Write an inspiring quote on a card and hang it on your fridge or mirror - somewhere you watch regularly. Whatever you do, choose something that motivates you and that does not instill a sense of 'must', but rather 'wanting'!

Make it concrete

'Healthier food', 'taking better care of myself', 'contacting friends': they are beautiful goals, but they are also very vague. Make it concrete: lose eight kilos, run ten kilometers, meet with your girlfriend once a month. (It may be a challenge, but keep it realistic.) If you want to change a habit, remember that that habit did not start from one day to the next.) Once you know what your exact goal is, you can plan of action. When are you going to exercise, how are you going to make time for it, when do you need a babysitter, etcetera.

Do not give up

No matter how often it falls short, no matter how often you make a choice that you will be disappointed about later on, do not give up. You do your best, and occasionally falling down is part of it. Give yourself the missions, because that is what you learn from. Falling and getting up is the only way to reach your goal.