Here we are folks, at the beginning of yet another year. The special thing this time around however, is that it is the beginning of a whole new decade too!

You’ve probably seen a lot of the ‘new year, new me’ posts all over the place since January 1st. Perhaps youre just like me and start out with plenty of ideas on how to finally get that brand new start you were waiting for, yet never really getting the hang of it. I’m here with 7 advice on how to actually get started on some of those goals and keep em’!

1. Be realistic. Whether it’s about losing 10kg in 2 weeks or suddenly spending hours on social media, keep the goals realistic. Like that, achieving the goal also becomes more realistic. It doesn’t matter how small steps you are taking, as long as you keep moving forward. Once you managed to get to the gym once a week for a while, you might get there twice and then before you know it you’ll be on your way becoming the next bodybuilder! or whatever goal you might have in mind..
2. Outline a plan. Write out your schedule in front of you and see where you really can fit that food bank volunteering into it. Decide how you will deal with temptation when it comes, will you allow yourself that piece of cake? Will you stay home instead of taking the evening walk? It could be asking a friend to keep you accountable or reminding yourself of how it will affect your end goal.
3. Talk about it! It is so much easier to stray and ‘forget’ about your new plans when you’re the only one who knows about them. By sharing your dreams and goals with those around you, you immediately become more accountable towards yourself and you will probably get immediate support. Perhaps even a buddy to do it with you.
4. Treat yoself. No matter what your new resolution is, remember to treat yourself to something you enjoy when you reach your goals. Whether it be a nice hot chocolate at Blend or a spa day with your BFF its okay to pamper yourself once in a while with something that won’t contradict your goal.
5. Track your progress. Did you go one day without smoking a cigarette? A week? No matter how little or much time has passed, mark it somehow! Like that you will be able to see every success you encounter, big or small. Short-term goals are easier to keep and before you know it they will have turned into long-term goals. It’s about taking one step at a time.
6. Don’t beat yourself up. We all fail and its really hard work changing a habit so do not beat yourself up if you happen to slip. Beating yourself up over it definitely won’t help. Remember they say it takes about 21 days to change a habit. It won’t happen overnight so it’s about just being persistent.
7. Keep trying. If you slip and feel like it was too hard, just start again. Give yourself a 24-hour goal. A 2-day goal. A 1-week goal. It is about taking one step at a time and before you know it you will be back on track for the new start of the new decade!