How to achieve your New Year's resolutions

New Year is often a time when we look to the past, take stock and think how we can improve and build for the future. It may be that we are hoping to improve at a skill, want to take up a new hobby or are looking to get fitter and more active - perhaps run a marathon. Whatever our goals, the best way to achieve them is to emulate the habits of tops sports people.

There's a good reason why only some people reach the top levels of sport. It takes a whole range of skills and behaviours, as well as an excellent ability at a sport, to join the sporting elite. 

The good news is that many of these behaviours aren't specific to sports.

Five habits of successful sports people that could help you achieve your goals

Here are five habits of successful sports people, that could help you achieve your goals in the coming year.

1. Motivation: Keep motivated because if you really want it, you are more likely to achieve it. While this sounds simple, it can be hard to keep going when things get tough. Set yourself smaller goals on the way to achieving your larger goals and reward yourself when you achieve them, that way you will feel a sense of achievement and will see the rewards of your hard work along the way. 
2. Consistency: Plan a routine to achieve your goals and make sure you follow it. Real success takes grit and determination. Getting up and doing what you have planned when you feel tired and have time to lie in takes real strength, but will help you keep up the momentum and stop you giving in. 
3. Self belief: In order to succeed, you have to first believe you are capable of achieving it. Think about the goals you are trying to achieve and whether you truly believe you are capable. If not, think about why you believe this. Challenge how you think and learn to replace unhelpful thoughts, such as "I can't do this" with more helpful ones "I may find this hard, but there is nothing preventing me from achieving this". If there is something preventing you, e.g the date of the next marathon and your current level of fitness, it is important to acknowledge this and give yourself more time to achieve your desired outcome. Planning, building and being ambitious but realistic will help increase your self belief. 
4. Resilience: Successful sports people have all failed at something in the past and they all have fears too. The difference is that they have learnt to manage their fears and anxieties and don't let them get in the way of their goals. Learn to manage your fears and you will be able to achieve much more in life.
5. Self-nurturing: Keep yourself strong both mentally and physically to ensure you have the best chance of achieving your goals. Make sure you schedule in plenty of rest and relaxation as well as hard graft. 

Coaching

Did you know that coaching can help maximise your chances of achieving your goals? Whether your goals are work-related or more personal in nature, First Psychology's coaching professionals will work with you in a supportive way to help you overcome obstacles, improve confidence and keep motivated. For more information on coaching with First Psychology, click here to visit our website >