20 Ways to Stay Motivated When Your Resolution Gets Hard
Discover 20 practical strategies to reignite your determination and stay on track when your New Year’s resolution feels challenging.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
Pursuing a resolution can be challenging, but staying motivated is key to success. This list provides 20 practical and diverse methods for maintaining enthusiasm, from leveraging rewards to seeking support. With these approaches, you can overcome obstacles and keep moving toward your goals.
1. Reflect on Your Initial Excitement
Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels
Revisit the reasons you set your resolution and the excitement you felt initially. Sometimes, a trip down memory lane is all you need to refocus.
2. Visualize Your Success Daily
Yasin Gdu on Pexels
Spend a few moments each day imagining yourself achieving your goal. Picture the details, emotions, and rewards of success. Visualization helps you reconnect with the payoff, keeping you driven.
3. Break Down Overwhelming Tasks
Suzy Hazelwood on Pexels
Big goals can feel impossible, so simplify them into bite-sized tasks. Focus on completing just one small step at a time. Progress builds confidence and keeps you moving forward.
4. Remind Yourself of Past Wins
Keegan Houser on Pexels
Think about challenges you’ve overcome in the past and how you succeeded. Drawing strength from those experiences can help you face current obstacles. You’ve done it before; you can do it again.
5. Surround Yourself with Encouragement
Mikechie Esparagoza on Pexels
Fill your environment with motivational quotes, inspiring photos, or reminders of why your goal matters. Positive surroundings can influence your mindset and boost your energy.
6. Change Your Approach
ThisIsEngineering on Pexels
If one strategy isn’t working, try a different method. Experiment with new techniques, tools, or routines to keep things fresh and interesting. A change in perspective often leads to breakthroughs.
7. Watch or Read Inspirational Stories
Martin Péchy on Pexels
Seek out success stories of people who’ve overcome similar challenges. Seeing others achieve their goals can reignite your belief in your abilities. Inspiration is contagious.
8. Create a Mantra
Balljinder Singh on Pexels
Develop a personal mantra to repeat when things get tough. Short phrases like “I am stronger than this” or “One step at a time” can help you overcome challenges.
9. Take a Mental Health Day
Max Andrey on Pexels
If you’re feeling drained, take a day off to rest and recharge. A refreshed mind and body are more resilient and ready to tackle challenges.
10. Join a Support Group
Dio Hasbi Saniskoro on Pexels
Connect with others who share similar goals or struggles. Hearing about their journeys can motivate you, and offering support can create mutual encouragement. Community is a powerful motivator.
11. Set a Fun Milestone Celebration
Anna Shvets on Pexels
Plan a reward for when you hit specific milestones. Whether it’s a special treat or an experience you enjoy, having something to look forward to keeps you engaged. Make the journey as rewarding as the goal.
12. Track Small Wins
Judit Peter on Pexels
Please record every small success, no matter how minor. Watching your list grow can remind you of the progress you’ve already made. Every victory counts.
13. Use Positive Self-Talk
Bich Tran on Pexels
Silence negative thoughts by replacing them with affirmations. Tell yourself, “I can do this,” or “I’ve got what it takes.” Being your cheerleader can dramatically shift your mindset.
14. Seek Guidance from a Mentor
Vanessa Garcia on Pexels
Talk to someone who’s already achieved what you’re striving for. Their advice and experience can provide practical solutions and reassurance. Learning from others can save you time and frustration.
15. Embrace the Struggle as Growth
Los Muertos Crew on Pexels
Reframe challenges as opportunities to grow stronger and more resilient. Every obstacle teaches valuable lessons. Instead of dreading the complex parts, view them as stepping stones to success.
16. Track Progress with a Visual Board
SHVETS production on Pexels
Create a progress tracker you can update visually, such as a chart or a jar you fill with marbles. Seeing your efforts add up keeps you motivated. It’s like watching your progress in real-time.
17. Make It a Friendly Competition
Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels
Invite a friend or family member to tackle a similar goal and keep the score together. A little friendly rivalry can add excitement and push you to stay consistent. Healthy competition often sparks motivation.
18. Focus on the Bigger Picture
Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels
Zoom out and remind yourself how your resolution contributes to your goals or values. Remembering the larger purpose can help you persevere through more minor struggles.
19. Adjust Your Timeline
Pixabay on Pexels
Feeling pressured? Extend your deadline to give yourself breathing room. Flexibility helps you maintain motivation without unnecessary stress. Success is about progress, not perfection.
20. Remind Yourself of the “After” Feeling
Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels
Think about how amazing it will feel to have completed your goal. Envision the pride, joy, or relief you’ll experience. Let that future satisfaction fuel your current efforts.