When a new year rolls around, many people use the saying “new year, new me,” but does that really pan out? What makes people think that just because we rang in the new year, that they will be a different/ better person when the day before you were doing exactly what you wanted to not do?
This year is the first year that I have not made any resolutions. Usually, I write them down and stick them in my drawer, then by the end of the year I am disappointed when none of them are completed. That is why, this year, I am just taking it one day at a time, and be happy with myself.
Why then, if people want to make their lives better, do so many resolutions fail? The first month or so, people stick to their ‘resolutions’, and it dies down by February. By December, most likely their resolutions are long gone and they are the same old person they used to be. Are people just lazy?
Common resolutions that people make are:
- Losing weight (eat healthy, exercise more)
- Stop Smoking/ Drinking
- Spend more time with family and friends
- Start a Relationship
- Lower Debt
- Get Organized
- Help Others
And
- Enjoy life more
Resolutions are efforts to reinvent and motivate oneself. Timothy Pychyl, a Psychology professor at Carleton University in Canada, states that “people aren’t ready to change their habits, good or bad, and that is why many resolutions fail.”
Another reason why resolutions don’t work is because people set high and unrealistic expectations for themselves. Instead of telling yourself, “ I am going to lose 20 pounds in 2 months!” think of it more as I am going to lose weight by the end of the year to increase my health.
Making these false hope resolutions can do damage to one’s self esteem.
And if by some way one of your resolutions does work, and you think that your entire life will change, and then it doesn’t, you get disappointed and may fall back into your old habits.
If you are someone who always makes resolutions, here are some things to remember:
- Set one resolution, rather than several
- Don’t wait until December to make resolutions, do it all year long.
- Set realistic goals
- Don’t do it alone. Have a friend or family member do it with you, or encourage you all year long.
- Take it one step at a time. Small steps work.
- Celebrate your success between milestones. Have you lost 10 pounds on your way to your goal of 30? Treat yourself!
- Focus on the present.
- And finally, don't take yourself so seriously.
So while you may not have set exact resolutions for yourself, you can improve your life throughout the year by doing small tasks, and not having pressure on yourself to accomplish certain things.
While you may not lose weight, pay off your debt, or land your dream guy/girl, you can be a kind, helpful, and passionate person.
So don’t make 2017 your best year yet, make everyday a great day that works up to a great life! Be positive and happy 2017!
