As we start to hit Autumn those New Year resolutions can begin to feel a bit like a distant memory. Good on you for choosing to make a change, whether it be getting up the first time your alarm sounds or reducing a behaviour that you feel may be holding you back from achieving certain goals.

There’s often a misconception that making a change has to begin on a significant day or time – first day of the year, first day of the week, first thing tomorrow – but committing to make a change is about your mindset not what the calendar says. Are you ready right now?

If so, here’s PsychMed’s quick tips for successfully kicking your goals.

What Are Your Goals?
Be SMART about goal-setting. Your goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound so you can make a plan and hold yourself accountable. Breaking your overall goal into a set of smaller goals will also make the challenge less scary and give you reason to celebrate achievements more regularly.

What’s Your Motivation?
Consider whether you’re trying to make changes for the right reason. You’re more likely to stay on track if you’re trying to improve something for yourself rather than change because someone else wants you to. Harness your reason and if possible use something tangible, like a photo or trinket, as a reminder of why you started your journey when your will power is waning.

Be Kind to Yourself
Change is hard so it’s natural to have slip-ups but stewing over them and feeling guilty or labelling yourself as a failure can lead to an ‘all-or-nothing’ mentality. Instead, try acknowledging your slip-up as a small bump in the road of your overall progress and continue on track. And don’t forget to celebrate your successes along the way!

Who Else Needs to Get Involved?
We’re always more likely to succeed with social support so consider who’s around you to act as your cheerleader on the good days and confidante on the days you’re struggling. In some cases, it may be beneficial to share your journey with someone. Exercising together is a great form of motivation, for example.

Maybe you need to summon the courage to seek professional help? PsychMed see an increase in help seeking behaviour for certain mental health conditions, like addiction, around the time of the aforementioned New Year resolutions.

If you’re looking for support or guidance on your journey, PsychMed’s team of friendly, experienced psychologists and Australian first programs may help you reach your goals. Contact us on Call 8232 2424 to find out more.