Up until last year, my chances for completing my New Year’s resolution were about as certain as Shaq on the free-throw line. That is to say— two decades’ worth of goals buried by Valentine’s Day.
It’s not that my goals have been particularly lofty…so why haven’t I been able to stick to them?
Well, think about it this way: there’s a reason runners don’t train for a marathon longer than 20 weeks and businesses set goals on a quarter system.
For the average person, 12 months is far too long to concentrate one’s efforts toward a single goal.
This year—why don’t you try something different?
Setting Quarterly Resolutions
If you’re like me and struggle to complete your 12-month pledge for self-improvement—try setting four distinct goals, each with a 90-day timeline.
Perhaps your four goals are connected to one overarching theme (like fitness or being more social), or perhaps you don’t know what your next goal will be until these first three months are up.
Regardless, having a more frequent sense of accomplishment will only motivate you to keep accomplishing.
Even better, it typically takes about 90 days to automate a habit—so all your hard work won’t go to waste as long as you stay consistent. After three months of concentrated effort, you will not only have achieved your goal—but the positive practices you developed while achieving it will be more likely to stick around.
In need of some inspiration? Then read on!
For the person who wants to improve their physical health.
- Quarter 1: Improve your strength by exercising with resistance bands or mini loop bands 3x a week (and check out this article for determining your favourite type of strength workout).
- Quarter 2: Improve your gut health by incorporating these supplements for digestive support into your daily routine and checking out these tips.
- Quarter 3: Improve your flexibility by stretching for 10 minutes every night. Use this playlist for the ultimate unwind time.
- Quarter 4: Quit smoking/vaping. This one is big—but think about how successful you’ve been so far. Get clean just in time for the holidays.
For the person who wants to live life to the fullest.
- Quarter 1: Plan at least one date with a friend, loved one, or oneself at least once a week.
- Quarter 2: Take a class in a skill you’ve always been interested in—like pottery or coding.
- Quarter 3: Take a vacation! Plan to go camping, leave the state, or even travel abroad.
- Quarter 4: Start meditating for 10 minutes a day. After a year full of adventures, turn inward and learn to embrace gratitude.
So, how about it? Are you ready to give up on your New Year’s Resolution one more time in favour of the 90-day approach? Your future self won’t regret it.
