How to Use Immediate Gratification to Reach Long-Term Goals

New Year's resolutions don't have to be painful. Here's how to feel good about your 2021 goals.

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If you’ve made some New Year’s resolutions or set some annual goals for yourself, you might be wondering, “Will I succeed this year?” The real test will come when you’re stressed, tired, or just plain unmotivated.

Here’s the plain truth: If your annual goals or New Year’s resolutions feel like chores, or if they feel overwhelming, or if they feel even a little difficult, you likely won’t do them over the long run. If they are something you feel like you “should” do, but that you don’t actually want to do, eventually you won’t do them at all.