How do I keep the promises I make to myself? We seem to make too many promises to ourselves at the first of each year, when we should be making only one or two promises at a time. When we make too many promises, we are setting ourselves up for failure.
Start with one of your easiest goals or promises so you set yourself up for success. It is more productive to reach a goal and then move onto the next. Reaching one goal helps us establish better habits and better habits lead to more success and discipline. Set goals throughout the year and stay on a cadence; as you reach a goal or are near completion or success, set the next goal.
Keeping promises to ourselves is best kept if we schedule the tasks needed to keep that promise. Put your goal or task on your daily calendar.
Examples
If it is a health goal, write what you will do each day. Three examples, remember to start with just one:
- When I wake up, I will drink a full glass of water
- Before I go to bed, I will stretch my body to release the tension
- Each day I will drink a green smoothie at 10:00 a.m.
If it is a financial goal, write your task on each day in your calendar that it will be performed. Five examples, remember to start with just one:
- I will make my coffee each morning instead of spending $ at the barista
- I pack a lunch and take my lunch to work each day
- I will make a list for shopping and stick to it
- I will save $ ______ each paycheck
- I will work on my side gig 1 hour each day
You can set a relationship, self-improvement, or any other goals the same way as above.
Whatever promise you make to yourself, be serious and reward yourself when you reach a goal or a milestone.
Start small and make it happen.
