As we bring in the New Year it is practically a rite of passage to set out a plethora of goals or ‘resolutions’ for the new year, the same ambitious “New Year new me” mindset that is almost infectious. You can’t help but want to better yourself and start fresh with a clean slate, and what’s a better time than the New Year? I personally have fallen repeatedly into the rabbit hole of New Year resolutions, self-imposing an excess of goals and resolutions and different ways to “better myself,” but often falling short of the expectations I have set for myself. Sound familiar?
It is discouraging and so easy to give up and more than likely the reason you may encounter those who do not believe or indulge in resolutions for the new year or the “New Year new me” mindset. But fret not, if you want to conquer 2020 with a set of goals for yourself, there are ways to turn your resolutions into realistic habits and eventually a lifestyle that will actually last.
(photo credits: Forbes)
According to Metro UK, the first step in seeing your goals and resolutions through is having SMART goals, “specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-sensitive”. The more streamlined and specific your goals are, the less difficult and daunting they will be to tackle. Instead of trying to implement broad goals like “ I want to be healthier,” opt for more specific goals like working out X amount of times a week, trying a new exercise class or experimenting with healthier recipes to cook. Having a handful of specific realistic goals or benchmarks you want to achieve is going to be more sustainable and manageable in the long-run, the transition into your lifestyle will be far easier this way.
Keeping track of your goals, resolutions and ongoing progress will keep you organized and accountable. This is also a great way to give yourself an allotted timeframe to work towards accomplishing or achieving your goals. Just like working toward a deadline for school or work, consider making a deadline for yourself and your goals, like reading a new book every month or saving a certain amount of money each week. You can journal or even use apps on your phone that can help you stay organized and focus like The Fabulous app, a science-backed approach to helping you develop and achieve your goals and lifestyle.
(photo credits: Refinery29 photographed by Tayler Smith)
Lastly, what I think is the most important, is to be kind to yourself and rid yourself of any guilt or discouragement the best you can. Remember that any goals and resolutions you have set for yourself are for you and for self-improvement. Your goals and expectations should not feel like a burden even when they are challenging. Hopefully, with the help of implementing SMART goals and a productive mindset that embraces the challenges of your New Year goals and resolutions rather than being discouraged by them, you can create healthy habits that complement an overall healthier lifestyle.
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Edited by Kenzie Dye