We are in unpredictable times and 2020 taught us to cherish what we have, particularly family and friends, take nothing for granted and look after our physical and mental health. Certainly, getting a fresh start in 2021 is really appealing and creating some new year resolutions or goals means we start off on the right foot.
New habits and behaviours can be challenging they don’t happen overnight and can take commitment and dedication. The brain does not like swift, abrupt change, but benefits can be very worthwhile, so think of this as an investment in yourself.
The top ten resolutions each year include:
- Exercise more
- Lose weight
- Get organized
- Learn a new skill or hobby
- Live life to the fullest
- Save more money / spend less money
- Quit smoking
- Spend more time with family and friends
- Travel more
- Read more
Most of us can relate to some or all the resolutions listed. Resolutions and goals are unique to each of us, so perhaps before you create them consider the questions below:
- How would you like to feel? Will the resolution help you get there?
- Would you recommend this resolution to a friend of colleague?
- How will the resolution impact you? Are you removing something and simply making a change?
- What is the improvement you want to make and why?
When it comes to new year resolutions almost half of us are unsuccessful at fulfilling them, so perhaps we need to consider how we approach them?
Below are some tips which may help to keep you on track and ensure success in 2021
Be mindful
When embarking on changing a habit or behaviour it is important to prepare mentally by taking a step back and taking stock. When thinking about any change try to keep in mind:
- Change should be gradual
- Build on smaller changes
- Remain positive
- Accept that there could be setbacks and allow for them
Own them
Ensure the goals you have set are yours and that this is something you want and not something which you think you should be aiming for. You have a far better chance for success if you are intrinsically motivated to reach your goal
Be realistic
Do not create a long list, limit the number of resolutions you commit to. Be selective about the ones which mean the most and are the most attainable for you.
Be specific
It’s easy to set goals which we cannot achieve, so take some time to ensure they are achievable. A good suggestion is to use SMART to help you create them:
- Specific - What do you want to achieve, break it down be specific
- Measurable - How can you measure if you have achieved it e.g., walk a mile in 20 minutes or lose 10% of your weight
- Attainable – Is the goal or resolution attainable e.g., this is not a good year to include world travel, but it might a good year to travel your corner of the world
- Relevant - Keep it relevant to you, your life and how you want to improve it
- Timeline – Give yourself an appropriate deadline to work towards
Small wins
Break them up into small pieces. As you tick off each box, your confidence will grow with each small success and spur you on.
Share them
By keeping the resolution to yourself you can fall into a trap and give up at the first hurdle. By sharing these with others you become accountable and less likely to forget or give in. You could also find that by sharing, other like-minded people may join you.
Keep going
Setbacks happen, but it is how you handle them that counts. Own the setback, understand how and why it happened and move on. Remember “the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step” Lao Tzu.
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