How to Actually Keep Your New Years Resolutions
Ah, the New Years Resolution. The holidays are over - you’re finally tired of all the cocktails, ham, and cookies, and ready to turn over a new leaf. “This is the year I’ll lose 20 pounds, ditch my acid reflux, or get that promotion at work…” That motivation may get you to gym, eating healthier, or crushing that work project in the beginning of January, but by the time February rolls around you’re back to your old ways with nothing to show for that resolution.
I’m here to tell you this year can be different - and all it takes is a few simple steps to set yourself up for success. Let’s break it down.
1. Focus on what really matters to you.
Before you worry about keeping your resolutions, let’s chat about WHY you chose that resolution in the first place. Let’s run with the acid reflux example - you want to get rid of your reflux, and I’m with you. But why do you want to get rid of it? How would your life improve as a result? Maybe you would sleep better and have more energy to play with your kids or focus on a new creative endeavor. Maybe you would feel more confident on dates or be able to enjoy meals with your family again. Getting to the why is important because it can keep your motivation going strong.
Start by making a list of what really matters to you and how you’d ideally spend most of your time. Here are a few ideas from my own list:
Quality time with family & friends
My health & self-care
Connection with nature
Adventure, travel
Helping others
Next, I’ll check in with my resolution to see if it aligns with what matters to me. Let’s say my goal is to get rid of acid reflux. In working towards that goal, I’m focusing on my health & self-care. If I achieve that goal, I open up more time and space to spend with friends & family, helping others, and enjoying nature and travel.
If your resolution doesn’t fit in with your list of what really matters, rethink the resolution!
Need some more guidance? This meditation can help you dig deep to set meaningful intentions/resolutions.
2. Keep it simple.
The New Year can bring up lots of ideas and excitement, but if you want this year to actually be different, try to harness that enthusiasm by focusing in on the most important things. Narrow it down to just 1 or 2 resolutions that will get you the most bang for your buck.
Compare your list of resolutions with your list of what really matters
For each resolution, if you achieve that goal, how much more time will you be spending on the things that really matter? Pick the top 1-2 resolutions and go with it!
3. Devise a plan.
This is another area where resolutions often fall apart. If you want to get from A to B but don’t have a roadmap, you’ll probably either stay stuck at A or get lost and end up somewhere random. The resolution is made, the desire is there - you want to get rid of your reflux (or lose weight, or make more money, etc.), but HOW do you actually do it?
Be SMART about it. SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely. Here are some examples:
Track it. For example, you can put a little ‘M’ on your calendar each day after completing your meditation.
Start small and build on it. If you start by meditating for 5 minutes minutes M, W, F, you can gradually increase it to meditating for 10 minutes every morning.
4. Make it easy.
You want to set yourself up for success by making your new goals into easily accessible habits. If your goal is to meditate for 5 minutes 3 mornings/week, set it up ahead of time:
Choose the location: maybe a designated spot on the couch or a yoga mat laid out in a corner of your kitchen.
Get it ready: if using a guided meditation, choose it the day before and have it pulled up on your phone or computer waiting for you in your designated spot when you wake up.
Click here for a deeper dive into making your habits easier.
Wishing you a happy & healthy 2021 with success in your resolutions! And if you try this process, be sure to let me know how it goes.