It seems there’s a mixed consensus and trouble even deciding if we should attempt to start a New Year’s Resolution. Many times people have stated that they no longer bother with them, because they know they will fail, so it seems useless to try.
The benefits, however, of setting a New Year’s Resolution, is there is a set date upcoming that we know is coming, thus giving us time to prepare mentally, make goals, set strategies and find support. The New Year is also a perfect time, in that it is truly a kick off of a New Year, time for new things.
How does one set a New Year’s Resolution? Take some time months or weeks ahead of time and write down some goals or things you’d like to accomplish. Some common ones people attempt are:
New Year’s Resolutions
- Loosing Weight
- Exercising
- Quit Smoking
- Quit Drinking
- Enjoy life more
- Spend more time with family and friends
- Getting organized
Make two categories on your list; habits you’d like to see broken, and new habits or goals you’d like to see begun. Now pick one or two of your top priorities. Sometimes failure occurs because we’re trying to tackle too much too soon. It’s unrealistic to think that you’re going to do all the above (or 5 of the above) at the same time.
Come up with a plan or strategy for doing this, ahead of time. Don’t wait until January 1 to figure out what you’re going to do. Set reasonable goals, and each day even if you miss a day or can’t get to the goal you had hoped, at least do baby steps and get back on the wagon immediately, even when you slip up. Don’t give in to failure.
If you’ve decided weight loss and exercise is a goal and you’ve decided on your plan, when you slip up on the eating, don’t just toss in the towel. Immediately start back up on your plan, don’t wait until tomorrow, it’s easy to keep over eating all day if “tomorrow” you’re going to “be good” again. Just start over, even if you don’t feel motivated, the motivation and encouragement will come. If you miss a workout or can’t go as long as you want, start again as soon as you can. Ten minutes working out is better than zero.
Enroll the help of supportive friends and family. Share with them your goals, hopes and dreams; it helps to make your goals real than if we keep our New Year’s Resolutions a secret. Consider starting a blog and inviting others to join you. Find the things that make you feel good about yourself and learn to encourage yourself. Break free of the cycle of perfectionism that is such a set up for defeat.
Enjoy and look forward to a fresh new start on things important to you in a fresh New Year. Remember, our past does not dictate our future, everyday is a clean slate.
Valerie Garner - Hi, I'm Valerie a midlife lady who loves to learn new things, photography, reading, writing, and drinking coffee with friends. I've ...
