With the new year approaching, many people will be making New Year’s resolutions. Want to learn French, get your sex life back on track – or just laugh more? Once you’ve figured out what you want to change, set yourself the challenge of sticking to it for 100 days – that’s just three months. By doing these five things, you’ll find it easier to reach your goal, says writer Viv Groskop. Good luck!
1. Choose your change wisely, then commit to it
Pick a challenge that’s meaningful to you, perhaps something you’ve struggled with in the past. Tell yourself that you’re going to make this change consistently for 100 days. And once those days are over, you can choose what to do next. Keep reminding yourself: it’s only one day at a time for just over three months.
2. Map it out
On a piece of paper, write down all the days from one to 100. Note down what you will do on each day to honour your commitment. Flag up any flash points. How will you continue with the challenge if you’re on holiday for a week? What other things might get in your way?
3. Navigate roadblocks
Have a backup plan if things go wrong. What if you’re ill and you miss a day or two? How can you fit in a double or triple commitment the next day to get back on track?
4. Consider getting a support team
If you think it will help you to have other people hold you accountable, recruit some friends. If you think you need to keep this private, do that.
5. Keep track
Keep a diary to stay motivated. Getting through the first 10 days is the hardest part. After that you won’t want to break your run. The more days you have under your belt, the easier it gets.
