5 More Ways to Stop Slacking on Your New Year’s Resolutions

Did you read last week’s post and you’re still slacking on your New Year’s resolutions?

It’s a good thing I have 5 more tips to get you charging towards the finish line of that lingering goal. Let’s get started.

Keep Yourself in Check

At the end of the day, ask yourself these two questions:

• How many times did I check my email today?
• How many unhealthy meals did I eat today?

Think of the time and energy you could have had for your writing! If you want to reach your New Year’s resolution, you need to kick bad habits. Reward yourself for writing by checking your email or having a snack. Receiving the reward before writing only feeds your procrastination.

Make It a Meeting

Schedule an appointment with yourself to write. Block out a chunk of time in your calendar and set reminders so that you’re not late. Have a meeting agenda with what you want to accomplish in your writing during the meeting. This isn’t a wish list but a standard worth upholding. That means the meeting doesn’t end until the agenda is completed, even if the meeting runs late.

Pick a Chair

Have you heard the legend of Luciano Pavarotti?

Pavarotti, the terrifically talented singer, was also studying to be a teacher. Surprisingly, he couldn’t decide which career to pursue, so he asked his father for advice. His father placed two chairs side by side in front of him and told his son to sit. Pavarotti gave his father a sideways glance, knowing that he’d fall between the chairs if he sat in both.

“You must pick a chair,” his father said.

And that’s what you must do. Concentrate on the New Year’s resolution you really want to be achieve by 2014. Spread yourself too thin and you’ll fall between the cracks.

Put a Price on It

Money can be a real motivator. Choose someone that supports your writing (or really needs cash) and commit to giving them $5 each day you don’t write or work towards your writing. Enough times of pulling out your wallet and handing over the bill to your friend (or foe) might be the kick you need to get your writing in gear.

Choose to Control Future You

If you have a plan, then your New Year’s resolution is not in your hands. If you decide to make the future now, your plans turn into actions that happen today.

Ask yourself this:

If it’s a goal for me to achieve _______, what would I do today about reaching it?

Those are my 10 ways for you to stop slacking on your New Year’s resolutions. What are your out-of-the-box ways of sticking to your writing goals this year? Share them below.