How to Transform Yourself for the New Year

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Most transformations take time, but many people see New Year's Day as a fitting moment to get started with resolutions to change their life for the better. Whatever the transformation you’re aiming for, be it educational, financial, physical, mental, or something else, determination, dedication, and hard work will help you set and achieve it. By defining your goals and creating an action plan for yourself, you may be able to transform your life in the coming year.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Setting Goals

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3c\/Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3c\/Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid191058-v4-728px-Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Starting with a broad goal will help you define what you want and why you want it. Ask yourself what you’d really like to change in your life and why that’s something you care about. Are you looking to be healthier, or do you want to learn something new? Would you like a new career? Is there something else you want to change? [1]
    • For example, you could set a goal like, “I want a new career because I want to feel more fulfilled with my job.”
    • It could be tempting to try to change every aspect of your life at once, but that can quickly get overwhelming, making it more likely that you’ll fall off the wagon. Instead, focus on just one area of your life, such as getting healthier or going back to school.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid191058-v4-728px-Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once you have your overall transformation in mind, break it down into a set of more manageable goals. What steps can you take to make this goal a reality? Think about what you want to be different when the transformation is complete, identifying what you specifically want to change and using that as the basis for your goals.
    • If, for example, you want to improve your mind in the coming year, you may choose goals such as reading more books, learning a new language, and getting an educational or professional certificate.

    Tip: Make your steps as small as you need them to be. Getting started with a goal is the hardest part, so keeping your first steps small will make them feel more manageable. You can always ramp up as time goes on.

    For example, If your goal is to get in shape, the first step could be to get running shoes or join a gym.

    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/74\/Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/74\/Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid191058-v4-728px-Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Look at each goal individually and decide what actions you want to take to accomplish it. Research resources, set dates, and schedule yourself in advance to make sure you have regular time dedicated to your goals. [2]
    • For example, if your goals in [3] clude learning a new language, your action plan may researching different language learning websites such as Duolingo or Busuu, or making a specific study schedule.
    • If your goals will require some investment to make happen, now is also the time to set a budget .
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2a\/Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2a\/Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid191058-v4-728px-Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Any transformation will be an incremental process. Before you begin, research a realistic timeline for your goals. Remember that transformations can be ongoing, and may take longer than a year.
    • Avoid setting arbitrary timelines. Safe, healthy weight loss happens at a rate of 1-2 lbs a week, for example, while proficiency in a new language takes months or even years. Use professional resources to help you set realistic timelines. [4]
    • Things might come up that throw off your schedule over the year, and that’s OK. Set your timeline with the understanding that you might not be able to follow it completely, but that is no reason to give up.
    5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Working Towards Your Transformation

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/60\/Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/60\/Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/aid191058-v4-728px-Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Ask yourself what you need to start working towards your goal, doing online research to get ideas. Draw up a list and get the items as soon as you can so you can get started.
    • If you are looking to exercise more, for example, make sure you chart a good running path. If you want to learn a programming language, equip your desk with an instructional book and a quality computer.
    • You can even make this the very first step in your goal, which will help you feel like you’re already working towards it.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a5\/Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a5\/Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid191058-v4-728px-Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to change everything at once. Start with your first, most manageable goal and get into a steady routine before adding more into the mix. [5]
    • Starting small lets you work your way up to the greatest challenges. Think about learning a language: you start with basic vocabulary before you try to read a novel.

    Try starting with a goal that motivates you to stay on track. If your goal is to reduce stress, for instance, you could start with a yoga class that meets a few days a week, which will force you to take time to calm yourself and reflect.

  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-7.jpg\/aid191058-v4-728px-Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You’ll likely hit a few challenging moments in pursuit of your goals. Going through them with someone you trust, like a friend or family member, can give you strength, motivation, and even make it fun. [6]
    • You can also find a shared interest group, either local or online, especially if you’re learning a specific skill or working toward a more common goal. You can speak and practice with others who understand your ambitions and may be able to help find creative solutions.
    • For some goals, you might want a partner who can challenge you and push you to be your best. If you want a running buddy, find someone who can make it just a block or two farther than you. If you want a study buddy for a new subject, ask a peer who has taken a related course before.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-8.jpg\/aid191058-v4-728px-Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Any major goal will feel daunting at first. Instead of getting overwhelmed by everything you have to do, take it one step at a time. Focus on completing the first item on your schedule without worrying about the next one, then move on once you’ve completed it.
    • If you start feeling overwhelmed, break your goals down even further. If you found a course you want to try, sign up for the class. If you found a professional with whom you want to work, make an appointment to see them.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/58\/Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/58\/Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-9.jpg\/aid191058-v4-728px-Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Find small rewards for those moments when you act on your goals. Try to find things that you truly enjoy, and use them to congratulate yourself on your hard work. Creating a reward system will help you stay motivated and excited to work towards your goal.
    • Try something like playing your favorite song, taking a long bath, watching an episode of your favorite show, or something else that you enjoy to motivate yourself in the early stages of your goal.
    6. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Keeping Yourself Motivated

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fc\/Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fc\/Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-10.jpg\/aid191058-v4-728px-Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You’re more likely to keep going when you can see how far you have come. Track your progress to see how far you made it with your goal over the course of the year. Try writing down your progress in a journal, or using a visual tool such as a chart or drawing to show your progress.
    • If you are looking to get in shape, for example, you can track how far you biked or ran with charts and maps.
    • If you’re learning a new skill, try tracking your progress by writing a sentence or two every day about what new things you’ve learned, and what comes easily to you now.
    • Consider using a goal-tracking app such as Achiever [7] or Stick [8] to track your progress easily and on-the-go.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-11.jpg\/aid191058-v4-728px-Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Generating some publicity for yourself is one way to stay on track. Talk to your those close to you about what have already accomplished, and what you still want to do. [9]

    Tip: You could even start a blog or website dedicated to your journey. This way, you can track your progress and let people know how far you have come at the same time. [10]

  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/34\/Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/34\/Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-12.jpg\/aid191058-v4-728px-Transform-Yourself-for-the-New-Year-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    As you progress, your goals are likely to change. You may go from wanting to run a 5k to wanting to run a half marathon. You may have set out to learn Spanish, but find that you like Italian more. Re-evaluate your goals every few weeks and adjust them to fit your needs.
    • Designate specific times to check in on your goals. Set reminders on your calendar or in your planner.
    • Ask yourself, “How am I doing with this goal? Am I happy with my actions and their outcomes?”
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Is it possible to completely transform yourself?
    Tracey Rogers, MA
    Certified Life Coach
    Tracey L. Rogers is a Certified Life Coach and Professional Astrologer based in Philadelphia. Tracey has over 10 years of life coaching and astrology experience. Her work has been featured on nationally syndicated radio, as well as online platforms such as Oprah.com. She is certified as a Coach by the Life Purpose Institute, and she has an MA in International Education from George Washington University.
    Tracey Rogers, MA
    Certified Life Coach
    Expert Answer
    Absolutely! So long as you focus on improving yourself, making positive changes, and pursuing your goals, there's no reason you can't transform as a person. Keep in mind, large goals are rarely reached overnight, so don't get discouraged and don't be too hard on yourself if transforming is taking you longer than you originally expected.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 8
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Set aside the money needed to assist your transformation in a special account. Do not touch it except for the purposes of your goal.
        Thanks
        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
      • Read works by people who have undergone major transformations in life. What lessons can you glean from their experiences?
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 2
      • Keep a journal and use it to boost your morale and reflect on your transformation journey.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Do not make any major changes to diet, exercise routines, or anything that may impact your physical or mental health without first consulting a professional.
        Thanks
        Helpful 4 Not Helpful 2
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Be Confident
      How to
      Accomplish Your New Year's Resolutions
      How to
      Have a Glow Up
      21 Ways to Make Your Life Better Starting Today
      30+ Entertaining & Refreshing Things to Do on a Sunday
      17 Ways to Reset Your Life and Reboot Your Future
      How to
      Turn Your Life Around
      How to
      Change Your Life
      How to
      Sort Your Life Out
      How to
      Fix Your Life
      How to
      Live Free
      How to
      Make Your Life Less Repetitive and More Rewarding
      How to
      Get Your Life Together
      How to
      Get Your Life Back in Order
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ Tracey Rogers, MA. Certified Life Coach. Expert Interview. 6 January 2020.
      2. ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/life-worth-living-setting-life-goals/
      3. ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/life-worth-living-setting-life-goals/
      4. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/healthy-lifestyle-5-keys-to-a-longer-life-2018070514186
      5. ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/Pages/Independence-One-Step-at-a-Time.aspx
      6. ↑ Tracey Rogers, MA. Certified Life Coach. Expert Interview. 6 January 2020.
      7. ↑ https://achievebiz.co.nz/
      8. ↑ https://www.stickk.com/
      9. ↑ Tracey Rogers, MA. Certified Life Coach. Expert Interview. 6 January 2020.
      1. ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/goal-setting/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 77,099 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement