Looking forward in 2019

 As we start a new year, it’s a good time to reflect on your recent achievements and look forward to what you hope to do in 2019. Whether you believe in setting New Year’s resolutions or not, it’s a good time to take stock and consider the next 12 months. Is there anything you really want to do? Maybe you want to set up your own barbershop, or maybe you want to go on a training course to broaden your skills. Whatever you’re hoping for in 2019, here are some tips on how to give yourself a head start in achieving those goals:

• Set realistic goals

If you make unrealistic or very difficult aims for yourself, you’re much less likely to stick to them in the long term. Instead, try to set goals that are achievable. By setting a smaller goal, you’re more likely to fulfil it and not become despondent.

• Make a plan

Don’t quickly make a plan just because it’s the New Year. Consider all the things you want to do first, and then think about how to implement it.

• Don’t be hard on yourself

It’s difficult when you’re trying to achieve a new goal or change a bad habit. Rather than beating yourself up over any tiny slip-up, tell yourself that you don’t have to be perfect all of the time. Just do your best, one day at a time.

• Create rewards

When you’re doing well, give yourself a reward! Everyone likes a treat, but it’ll also help reinforce the good you’ve done – you’ll want to reward yourself again and continue trying hard.

• Keep trying

It’s difficult to maintain new habits for a long period of time. If you’re feeling like you’re running out of steam – keep going! Tell yourself you’re going to keep trying for the next 24 hours, for example. And then, if you make it to the end of those 24 hours, try and do the same again. Take each day as it comes.

Good luck! What are your New Year’s goals?