Is Your Resolution Realistic?
By the end of each year it’s really easy to feel fed up and absolutely OVER it. By December 31st we’re all ready to resolve to have a better year in January, but sometimes the goals that sound doable when we resolve to make them, aren’t quite as feasible as we’d have hoped. Here are a couple ways to select a New Years Resolution that you can feel good about because you can actually DO IT.
Reflect on the Past Year:
Before setting new resolutions, take a moment to reflect on the past year. Identify both your successes and areas for improvement. Acknowledging past achievements can boost your confidence, while recognizing challenges helps you understand areas where you can focus your efforts for growth. It’s important to do both though because sometimes we forget the good we’ve accomplished and can become bogged-down by the negative so remember — give yourself a BREAK!
Set Specific and Measurable Goals:
Vague resolutions like "exercise more" or "eat healthier" make it challenging to track progress. Instead, set specific and measurable goals. For example, aim to walk 10,000 steps per day or incorporate a vegetable into every meal. This clarity helps you stay accountable and provides a clear roadmap for success. You can also gradually work up to bigger goals. For example, if your goal is to exercise more, you can set a goal to work out twice a week every week for the first month, and then increase the number of days you exercise each week as you begin to become more comfortable in your routine.
Break Down Larger Goals:
If your resolution is substantial, break it down into smaller, more manageable steps. This makes the overall goal less daunting and allows you to celebrate achievements along the way. For instance, if your resolution is to write a book, start with a daily or weekly word count target. If you want to learn a new language, maybe just begin with learning a few new words each week.
Prioritize and Focus:
It's easy to get overwhelmed when attempting to change multiple aspects of your life simultaneously. Prioritize your resolutions and focus on one or two at a time. Once those become habits, you can gradually introduce new goals. This approach prevents burnout and increases the likelihood of long-term success.
Create a Support System:
Share your resolutions with friends or family who can provide encouragement and support! Having a reliable network can make a significant difference when facing challenges. You may even find a resolution buddy to embark on the journey together, creating accountability and motivation
&For those of you who already created a lofty goal for 2024, just remember that it is okay to NOT be perfect! Sometimes we set a difficult goal for ourselves and want to give up at the first mistake but it is important to remember that change is a process! Give yourself a little bit of leniency in 2024. 😘
