A week after the start of the New Year is normally where resolutions have become forgotten and many think a bad tone for the year had been set. It is common that the New Year is the time to turn your entire life around and make it better than it was the year before. The lack of instant gratification often leaves people discouraged, having them quit their resolutions before January even ends.
NEWS FLASH!!
If this is you, you are not alone! I too understand the struggle of setting goals that seem unattainable.
First things first, most of us normally have more than one resolution, and this is where the problem kicks in. It seems like on January 1st, we wake up saying "This is MY year. Now it's time for me to work out 7 days a week, eat only organic foods, travel to Africa, work at the homeless shelter, spend more time with loved ones, get my PhD, etc. etc. etc. and I'm going to do it all today!"
...Okay Superman, you let me know how that goes. I'm not saying that's impossible, but think realistically, you don't start new habits in a day. There's a re-occurring myth that it takes 21 days to break a habit, and then additional time to create the new one.
Everyone wants to see immediate changes, but sometimes you need to take a step back and realize that things. Take. TIME!
Here's a couple simple steps to Conquer Your New Year Resolution(s)!
1. Accept the fact that you won't change overnight.
This is probably the hardest step. No one wants to admit they aren't perfect. We can't always control how our mind acts!
2. Don't try and conquer all your resolutions at the same time.
Unless you're secretly a super hero in disguise, I don't see this going well for you. It will leave you discouraged, and you might quit on your resolutions as a whole.
3. Make specific resolutions/ work your way up to the end goal
Think of these as check points to a bigger goal. "I want to work out more" isn't a good goal. How much more? 7 times a week? You want to walk to the TV to change the channel instead of using a remote? Work from the bottom up. Maybe start with every time you go to get something to eat, you do a couple sit ups!
4. Create a resolution schedule
This sounds ridiculous, but nothing is better than being able to see your progress right in front of your eyes! Tackle a new resolution each month or two. Focusing on just one will let you really dive in and accomplish it.
5. Don't let yourself get discouraged
If this was easy, you would've made the switch a long time ago. The important thing is YOU ARE TRYING!!
Successful or not, you are trying to make an improvement in your life. 2017 will treat you well!
