It’s a new year and whilst spending time with loved ones, eating and drinking too much, we are able to reflect on the year that was and create resolutions to make us better. A new year, a new you! The truth is, less than 10% of people who make New Year’s resolutions actually achieve them within the year.
Are you part of the 90% that has not achieved your New Year’s resolution in the past? Don’t worry, I have been a part of that percentage too.
Here at Travel With A Paddle, we are going to get you on track to achieve your SUP and paddle goals for 2019. All of the information below is easily transferable into achieving any New Year’s resolution.
Let’s take a look at someone making a resolution to simply “paddle more”. You have woken up on New Years Day with that resolution, but where’s the accountability? How do you measure your success? How do you know when you have achieved your resolution of “paddling more”? This is what we call an ‘empty resolution’ as there is no substance behind it. I am going to teach you how to set measurable and accountable resolutions so you can realistically reach your goals.
- Are your resolutions measurable?
A precise amount, a certain date or specific time are all measurable, so include these in your goal. You should be able to measure your success and record your progress. - How are you holding yourself accountable?
Accountability is a very important element to goal setting. There are three ways to categorise accountability and they are all great ways to achieve your goals.
1. Partner Accountability: Have someone else that you do the activity or resolution with. Wit partner accountability, it can make you feel bad if you don’t show up or leave your partner waiting if you have decided to do it together.
2. Public Accountability: Telling your resolution to a group of people that you trust will really hold yourself accountable. They will also continue to motivate you and you will also feel motivated to prove to them you can do it.
3. You need to make a commitment to yourself: Seeing personal growth, creating self-discipline and making a commitment to yourself will also motivate you to achieve.
Are you willing to change a part of your life in order to achieve your resolution?
Ultimately setting a New Year’s resolution means you want to make a change in your life, but we all know that change is hard. Motivation, beating inertia, your current circumstances and happiness are the elements that will help you form a realistic and achievable resolution.
Motivation: Why do want to achieve your resolutions and what is motivating you to make the change? This question may eliminate some of the resolutions you have written down, however don’t let that discourage you. It only means that you are more motivated to pursue those that you have left. Motivation shows itself in many ways. It can come from family, age, peer pressure, achievement, learning, growth, health reasons or enjoyment. What is your motivation?
Beating Inertia
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Inertia is the resistance to change. We need to beat inertia in order to achieve. You may be motivated right now as it’s the first few days into your new resolution, but what about in two week’s time when you lose that motivation? Setting yourself small goals and making small changes are surefire ways to beat inertia. A few tips to beat inertia include:
– When you write down a resolution place it somewhere that you will see it everyday as then you are more likely to remember it, chase it and achieve it. Also write down your achievements so you can see the progress you are making!
– A start is sometimes all it takes to get the ball rolling.
– Just showing up to your paddle workout or SUP related activity can improve motivation and you will be become more willing to make a change.
Current Circumstances : If you want to make a change, be sure to consider what is happening presently in your life. Will this resolution or new goal affect other parts of your life at this current time? Your goal might be to ‘SUP more’, but the only free time you have in your schedule is spent with your loved ones – you wouldn’t give that up, would you? You are more likely to reach your goals if you schedule your time so you are ready, willing and happy to make the change.
Happiness : Are you content with the change that you are about to make? It may be the case that this change brings even more happiness into your life! Does the new activity or resolution bring you joy? If it doesn’t, it probably won’t last too long. Find happiness and joy in the resolution and the change about to come and this will ensure success. If you are sure about the change you want to make but cannot seem find the happiness in it, don’t be afraid to adjust your resolution slightly.
An example of a resolution that is measurable and accountable might look something like this;
- “I am going to stand up paddle for 30 minutes every weekday morning with Annie in order to improve my strength and fitness”.
You have set a time and day to carry out the resolution, so it is measurable. You are doing the activity with a friend (Annie) to have accountability. The resolution is realistic as it is only 30 minutes each weekday and you will start to see improvements with regards to your strength and fitness. Also, by making your resolution a regular occurrence, you are more likely to form a habit.
To help you even more, you might want to set smaller, more specific goals in order to reach your resolution. Smaller goals may look like this;
– On Mondays I will focus on keeping my pace the same for five minutes, with a one minute break.
– On Tuesdays, I am going to sprint for 200 yards, with a 50 yard rest and then repeat. And so on, for each day.
Remember, setting yourself measurable and accountable resolutions that incorporate a willingness to change will ensure you achieve your New Year’s resolutions. However, above all, make sure you enjoy the ride and find happiness in your resolutions and the change that will come from them.
We hope that you find health, wealth and happiness in 2019. If your New Year’s resolution includes travelling with a paddle or booking your next holiday, Travel With A Paddle can advise, design and personalise your next SUP adventure. Contact us today.
If you have any questions or would like to leave a comment about your New Year’s Resolution (to hold yourself accountable!), then please write to us below. We would love to hear from you.
