New Year's resolutions are an easy segue into the mindset of doing better for ourselves in the new year. Unfortunately, a lot of us make the mistake of changing our ways at the drop of a hat. This "cold turkey" method is full of ambition, but often depleted of sustainable habits. Making large changes to your life is hard for the mind and body to adjust to. Most of our New Year's resolutions are things we want to do and are not held accountable for. Thus, the sense of urgency to fulfill our ambitions is not present and making it through the first month of a workout, daily routine, eating habit, hobby, etc. gets strenuous.
You deserve some credit for recognizing that there are areas of your life you would like to improve! Let's take a look at some points to consider when trying to get those dreams of improvement closer to a reality.
1. Roughly Plan Out Your Days
I couldn't function as efficiently as I do without my calendar. It allows me to take a holistic view at my time commitments and gain a stronger understanding of where I can and/or need to budget my time. How does this help you reach your resolution? Having control over your calendar gives you the freedom to properly apportion time to your resolution's demands. Going into a new year's resolution routine with an "I'll fit it in when I can" mentality greatly reduces your chances of sustaining that routine deep into 2016.
2. Make sure you have the tools for your success
It is really unfortunate to see people that are incredibly excited for the idea of the new version of themselves, only to find out they overlooked what it would realistically take to make it happen. If you are looking to get into shape, make sure you have the resources to eat healthy and work out. Some hobbies require memberships, a partner, expensive equipment, traveling, and event strict schedules. If you can't accommodate those demands, then maybe reconsidering your resolution may be the healthiest move. You wouldn't fix a T.V. with a chainsaw, so don't overlook what you need for your own success before you discourage yourself entirely.
3. Parallel your resolution with a stress reliever
At times, we develop such deep infatuations with our New Year's resolutions that we make it all we ever think about. Coupled with an abrupt lifestyle change, this can be problematic for the longevity of your commitment to the resolution. Throughout the course of your week, time needs to be set aside to take your mind off of it. This is best done with your go-to stress reliever. Having some time to relieve stress from life and/or your resolution allows you to tolerate the ups and downs of lifestyle changes with a level head.
4. You are human and life will get in the way
I would be impersonating Pinocchio pretty well if I told you that executing your New Year's resolution was going to a silky-smooth process. There are undoubtedly going to be bumps along the way that are caused by events outside of your control along with your own mistakes. I have faith that a large majority of people understand this concept, however, they lack the flexibility to continue on after these interruptions. It is amazing how the problems we face today are insignificant when we think about how it really affects us. There are obvious exceptions, but the large majority of our issues can be displaced by some mindfulness and foresight. Don't disguise a hill for a mountain or you'll spend your new year in the valley of what could have been.
5. It's your resolution, not a social strategy
I can't tell you what your New Year's resolution is, but I can direct you to what a genuine one is not. Your resolution is not the latest fad that you feel obligated to participate in because everyone is doing it. Your resolution is not a public service announcement. Your resolution isn't another reason for you to post to social media. Your resolution is not anyone else's to accomplish, but yours. If it means something to you, your resolution does not need to be validated by your peers, superiors, or society. See the change you want in yourself and live it's truth.
