As we usher in 2016, many of us begin to make mental (or physical) lists of our New Year's Resolutions. Some of us may have new and innovative ideas about how to transform our lives and how to better them. Some of us may have persistent goals, those goals that find their way onto our “Resolution List” each year such as staying (or getting) fit and enjoying life.
However, a pattern that we see on social media and that we joke about with our friends is how easily these New Year's Resolutions are broken, how quickly this list becomes just a laughable tradition. According to “New Year's Resolution Statistics," 45% of Americans usually make New Year’s Resolutions. Some popular types of resolutions are related to self-improvement/education, weight, money, and relationships. However, only 8% of people report success in achieving their resolution. Why do we find such difficulty in sticking to the promises we make ourselves?
I recently came across an article in TIME Magazine that discusses some of the problems with the ways in which we generate these resolutions. Oftentimes, we decide on what we want to change, but not how we want to go about this change. For example, a resolution that appears on my list each year is trying to be more appreciative. Sounds lovely, right? It is, but how am I going to introduce this into my everyday life? How will I get past all of the old habits that make it difficult for me to appreciate the good in my life rather than focusing on the bad?
- Make a Realistic Plan. If you want to make a grand change on your life perspective, this won’t happen simply because you write it down in your journal and tuck it away until next year. Plan ahead as to how you intend on incorporating your resolution into everyday life. If you plan on becoming more appreciative, set aside a few minutes a day (actually set an alarm on your phone) to think about anything you were thankful for that day.
- Introduce Positive Change. Many people resolve to stop certain habits (late-night snacking/Netflix binging), but it is often difficult to cease doing something that has become habitual. Instead, try to introduce new habits that better the old. Trade in The Bachelorette for a documentary or a thought-provoking show. Keep some healthier food in your room so that you don’t feel as guilty for snacking late at night.
- Pat Yourself on the Back. Understand that changing patterns and habits in your life is incredibly difficult to do and don’t beat yourself up for straying from your list. These are aspirations you have for yourself and you should be proud of yourself for taking the time to think about them and work towards them.
Don’t think of your list as a document of sweeping changes that must occur after that ball drops, but rather an outline of positive, practical changes that you can include in your daily life. While many laugh off what seem to be unattainable goals, plan for real change than you can make happen.
