We are just one week away from 2018. As I look back to the past year, I think 2017 has been a magical year – but of course, I’d want to set my eyes on bigger things in 2018. I bet you do, too.

Most of us do that: starting each year with good intentions. We aim big and high. We want to start fresh. But I understand that throughout the year, the shine wears off. Maybe one thing leads to another – and they make us believe that the goals we set early year are not going to happen.

I couldn’t say that I stick to all of my resolutions altogether, but I have learned some tricks I can play on myself. It is a way to truly engage in my goals and break my cycle.

SET BIG GOALS BUT KINDER INTENTIONS

For instance, my big goal is to stay healthy. But if I set myself to only eat clean diet for the whole year, I might get frustrated during the process. So what I usually do is to choose a small goal that is aligned with my goal; like for example to up my frequency to exercise from two times per week to three times per week – but with more variety (so it deems to be kinder to myself).

START WITH SMALL STEPS

Small steps when done regularly brings bigger impact. The hardest part is not the steps – but the part where you have to do it regularly. To actually commit to something for the whole year and make it my habit are the challenging part. That is why setting goals with smaller steps is much, much recommended.

FIND YOUR CHEER SQUAD

I have different cheer squads for different things. For instance, if I want to start reading the Bible regularly, I’d tell my sisters in Christ and Kalvin that I am setting that goal – and to let them support me whenever I seem to slowly fail at doing so. It goes the same way with healthy living or anything else in my life.

HAVE A BACKUP PLAN

I get that I couldn’t really predict the future, so I have to have a backup plan. For instance, if I just had a busy day and I am too tired to workout at the end of the day, then I’d find a way to actually move my session to early in the morning. The key is to be flexible but firm at the same time. I learn as I go along. Sometimes things happen and I shouldn’t be too hard on myself – but I still have to be firm.

Setting goal is the easiest part. The hardest part is to stick to it. Share your stories down below and let me know if you have tricks to stick to your goals just like I do!

Photo by Sharon Angelia

Makeup by Maya Fernandez

Styled by Rhea Revren

Wardrobe by Lily Jean

at The Island Houses