It’s January 14th and while it is a different year there is no denying that the New Year’s resolution was still a predominant thought for many people as we rang in 2021. But just like years past where we say this is going to be the year we accomplish our New Year’s resolution, and even buy a bunch of gym equipment for losing weight or a new journal to write out thoughts and emotions, we almost instantly forget about it. For many, this is a constant pattern that happens every year, being adamant to work on yourself and then completely forgetting (or straight up avoiding) the goal as soon as we reach the two week mark in January. (It’s almost quite comforting in a funny way that we kept up the New Years tradition of forgetting our resolutions). I’m not saying that this happens to every person, I’m sure there are a bunch of success stories out there of people who told themselves they would eat better, or stop talking to that guy that screams “red flag”, but I’m just saying it’s hard to come across those individuals. But that doesn’t mean we can’t do it ourselves!
Maybe I’m the eternal optimist here who believes that goals can be accomplished and we can all be the people we want to be. But I truly think New Year’s resolutions no matter how many years they go undone for people can provide them with a fresh start that they need. So being the self proclaimed optimist that I am, here are some ways that you can keep up your New Year’s resolutions if you are at that two week slump or the feeling of motivation has long passed you. I’m no expert but these are some things that have helped me or someone I know when trying to accomplish a goal.
Pick Something Small and Manageable: Every year we go out on a limb and say “I’m going to eat better”, “I’m going to exercise everyday”, “I’m going to learn to cook”, “I’m going to take a French class”, and this list goes on and on until we are too overwhelmed by everything we are not and everything we have to do. If you focus on one thing and know that it’s something manageable then you have more of a chance of actually accomplishing it. Maybe take “eating better” and break it down into day by day. If you really struggle with eating healthy, focus on one meal being nutritious everyday. For example, lunch could be the easiest meal for you to make healthier options, creating more veggie based sandwiches or soups for yourself. Once you have mastered lunch look towards dinner. Be realistic, if you think you are going to struggle with completely changing your diet then don’t, take it step by step.
Keep Yourself Accountable: I’m asking for you to be Mr. Tough Guy with yourself here. If you are not going to keep yourself accountable on January 1st or 2nd, you won’t for the next year or even the next week. If you are set on accomplishing your New Year’s resolution you have to remember it everyday. This could come in multiple forms. If your resolution is to read more than break it down into steps you can manage, (sounds an awful lot like step number 1)! Set an alarm for 15 minutes each day at a time that is most convenient for you. Maybe it’s right in the morning before the rest of your household wakes up or after dinner when you’re in a bit of a food coma and want a way to relax. For bigger goals set up a time and leave your equipment out the night before. If your goal is to do one hour of yoga everyday, book a class (when COVID restrictions are more lenient) so you’re actually spending money on your goal and that way you feel more pressure to show up for it. While COVID now limits our ability to take classes, you could write it in your calendar and set out your clothes and equipment the night before so you remember to do it as soon as you wake up.
Get Others Involved: I don’t necessarily mean to force your sister into waking up at 6 a.m with you to go for a run, what I’m meaning is by having a solid support system it will help you stay focused. Pick people who not only believe in you but will call you out if you are not keeping up the resolution, this helps you stay more accountable.Try someone like your mom or a sibling or a close friend who is not afraid to tell you how it is. Also, by getting others involved you could inspire someone to join you, maybe your sister will get up and run with you one day a week (but closer to 9 a.m). Having someone to complete goals with makes your resolution seem less daunting and more like a fun activity that you can do with a built in support system.
Go Easy on Yourself: This is coming from a girl who’s a perfectionist in everything she does, so I completely understand being hard on yourself when it comes to accomplishing new goals. So I’ll be trying to take my own advice on this one as well.
You have finally decided to complete a goal! That’s amazing! You shouldn’t be focusing on everything you did wrong, focus on everything you’re doing right to better yourself. For example, if you only had the stamina to work out for thirty minutes instead of a full hour, that’s still incredible, and it’s thirty more minutes of physical activity you have than before you started your resolution. Thinking like this will make you feel better and want to strive to work towards your goal.
Reward Yourself: Making changes to your everyday life is not something light, it takes
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determination and focus, so the fact that you have decided to work on yourself deserves some recognition. If your goal was to eat better maybe treat yourself by getting take out on Friday’s or getting yourself a nice coffee on your day off. Little rewards will not only make you feel more accomplished but brighten your day as well.