Top tips for keeping your New Years Resolutions in 2023
The start of a new year is the perfect time to turn a new page, which is probably why so many people make New Year's resolutions. The new year often feels like a fresh start and a great opportunity to establish new routines and curb those “bad” habits. Ultimately we all want to grow and create a better version of ourselves.
Despite our best intentions, many of us tend to have abandoned those new habits after a few weeks. By the time Spring comes, most of our resolutions are a distant memory.
Here are some tips to make keeping your resolutions almost as easy as setting them.
Be Specific
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Setting a vague resolution such as “get fit” is hard to monitor and feel like you’re making any progress. Focus on something more concrete that you can realistically set your sights on. Instead of “get fit” you may prefer to set something like doing a set number of steps, miles, push ups per day.
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Focus on one goal at a time
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You are more likely to stick to your resolutions if they don’t impact too much on your current daily practices. Habits need to be established before they can be improved. So changing one thing, no matter how small, is more likely to be set in stone s a habit if you tackle one at a time. Why not try adding one habit you would like to implement each month or each quarter.
Start small
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As we touched on just now, a habit needs to be in place before you can start to crank up the intensity. There have been countess stories of people to start off their habit building by literally taking the first step. You want to walk more this year? Instead of setting a goal of 10k steps each and every day, try putting those shoes on, and walking to the end of your road and back. The distance isn’t the main goal here. The focus is on choosing those actions that cast a vote for who you want to become. Do you want to be the person who shows up and never misses a walk? These tiny steps will create that version of yourself. You ARE the type of person who can achieve their goals, and with ease. As time goes on you can improve on this habit to edge further towards that ultimate goal.
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Allow for failure
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There are not many things in life that run at 100% consistently. Allow yourself to experience the ebbs and flows of life. Some days “life” happens. Beating yourself up over missing a day here and there will not help you achieve your goals. Maybe make the decision that you will be happy to achieve your goals for 60% for the first month and asses and tweak as the weeks pass. Remember, the very first stages of getting a habit to stick is to master the art of showing up. The finer details comes later. By creating your very own bespoke resolutions and goals that work for you will give you a much better chance of success.
Preparation
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A few small steps can make a huge difference when starting to establish new habits. It’s on those days where you’re tired and really not feeling it that are the times that count. So make it easier for yourself. Morning Run? Then get those running shoes and socks ready and by the front door the night before. Journaling? Place that notebook and pen by your bedside so they are easy to grab. Drink more water? Get your favourite glass out and ready each night ready for the morning. Preparing for your habit may even be the first habit you need to establish. Its all part of the bug picture.
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Review and adapt
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The goals you have set in the depths of winter may no longer be aligned to who you want to become by the summer. Don’t be afraid to change it up. As life evolves, so do your priorities. Checking in each day, week or month helps you to understand where your strengths and weaknesses lie.
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