“In the next year, I will start exercising”
“Next year will be my year to become healthy”
“Next year I will start eating healthy”
“In the new year, I will start waking up early”
Have you made any statements towards the end of the year? And have you seen them through and established a consistently healthier you? Or have you maybe made them and followed through for a few weeks or months and then forgotten all about them and fallen back into old habits?
There is no shame!
But how would you feel about actually making a change towards the new year and creating a healthier you with engrained consistent routines? It´s probably not even worth asking, so the question is not “if” but “how? So here´s a few tips for keeping new year´s resolutions thriving throughout the year.
1. State clear goals: Resolutions do not work if we are not clear about them. Voicing clear intentions is necessary for making plans of action and working towards a better you. “I want to be healthy” would probably not do it. So how about you grab your journal or a piece of paper and make clear statements that articulate what exactly you are expecting from yourself. These could be “I want to spend 1 hour in the morning dedicated to movement in fresh air” or “I want to learn about whole foods and cook at least 3 times a week”. Writing your goals down on paper adds visual clarity to what you actually want.
2. Remind yourself of your goals: Mere documentation won't drive change. Regular reminders are imperative. A consistent review of your resolutions, whether at the start of each week or as part of your morning routine, ingrains them into your daily consciousness. Visual cues, such as sticky notes on your workspace or a screensaver on your phone, serve as gentle nudges towards your aspirations. Scientifically, this repetition aids in reinforcing neural pathways, solidifying your commitment to the intended changes.
3. Break it down: Splitting big ambitions into smaller, achievable steps eases the journey. If your resolution involves regular exercise, begin with manageable milestones. Start with a ten-minute daily walk and incrementally increase duration and intensity. Appreciate these smaller victories as they not only indicate progress but also fuel motivation. Breaking down larger goals mitigates overwhelm and provides a sense of accomplishment with each step.
3. Dedicate time for your goals: Change takes time, dedicated time and discipline, so in between busy work days, social connections and hobbies, make time for the goals you want to work towards. Sometimes that means saying no to other things like going out for drinks with your friends and sleeping in or watching movies but rather making time for exercise, early nights, self care and education on how to enhance your health, whether that would be researching the effect of different diets on your body and health, or getting to know different exercises to do at home or the gym.
4. Share your goals: Engaging a friend or someone in your social circle, family or community in your resolutions creates a support network, while sharing aspirations builds a sense of accountability. Consider joining groups or forums aligned with your objectives; this provides encouragement, advice, and shared experiences. Seeking an accountability partner with similar goals can mutually motivate and reinforce commitment.
5. Cultivate patience and self-compassion: Embrace the understanding that change takes time and is not a gradual line upwards but rather to be imagined like serpentines that meander their way up. Allow yourself the grace to navigate setbacks without self-criticism. Instead, adopt a compassionate approach towards yourself. Acknowledge the efforts invested and the challenges faced. Reflect on the lessons learned from setbacks, as they serve as invaluable learning opportunities on the path to growth and appreciate that every hiccup is followed by a breakthrough and a chance to better understand yourself.
6. Adapt and recalibrate: Flexibility is vital in sustaining resolutions. Life is dynamic, and circumstances evolve. Be open to adapting plans and recalibrating approaches. Reflect on what works well, what needs modification, and embrace changes that align better with your evolving journey. Adjusting plans ensures continued progress, even in the face of unforeseen challenges.
New year´s resolutions represent the seeds of change. They embody our aspirations, our potential for growth, and our commitment to personal evolution. Keeping these aspirations alive demands more than a mere declaration; it requires dedication, resilience, and a belief in our capability to transform. Remember, setbacks are part of the journey, not the end. Embrace each day with a renewed vigor, celebrate small victories, and learn from any detours along the way. The path to sustainable change isn't always straightforward, but with perseverance and the right support, your resolutions can become lasting habits that shape the life you envision.
→ Consult a coach: Seeking support from a coach can provide valuable guidance and accountability on your journey to sustaining resolutions. A coach acts as a catalyst, offering insights, strategies, and personalized plans to keep your aspirations alive throughout the year. They help navigate obstacles, maintain focus, and foster the mindset needed for lasting change. The collaborative partnership between a coach and yourself ensures a consistent source of motivation, encouragement, and tailored approaches to tackle challenges. Remember, whether pursuing health, career, or personal growth goals, having someone to guide and support you can significantly enhance your journey.
If you would like me to join you on your journey, click below to schedule a free discovery call to find out how I can help you get where you want to be.
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