New Year, New You: Is that really a thing?
It’s that time of year again – the time of New year’s resolutions.
Resolutions are a funny thing though.
We are basically promising ourselves to change or do better but we wait until a specific date to start to keep our promise. Similar to promising to start a new diet on Monday or after our vacation.
But I get it too. We are always trying to switch things up and fix that one thing we feel will make us a better person. Maybe it’s getting to the gym more regularly (or at all), losing those last 10 pounds, or being a better friend. It’s not a bad thing to strive to be your better self. But you don’t want to set yourself up for failure either.
Whatever your resolutions might be this year, I wanted to share a few tips that might help you actually reach your goal.
1. Be realistic – this is super hard. But let me break it to you, there is NO way you are going from not exercising to being in the gym 5 days a week. Too hard, and also potentially injury causing! Baby steps are best and the easiest to achieve. Set a doable, realistic goal – maybe you go to the gym 2x a week and work your way up.
2. Be specific – I had a resolution a few years ago to be more present. My intentions were good, but vague resolutions are difficult to achieve. I would have done better setting the goal of turning off my phone after a certain time or not being on it when I’m with my family.
3. Use a partner – having a partner or someone to hold you accountable really helps keep a goal. Tell each other your goals, maybe even work on them together. Not only will you get the boost from some friend time, but you can push each other to reach your goals.
4. Set benchmarks – This goes back to being realistic. Start with 7000 steps or try one new exercise class every week for a month. There is nothing like achieving a goal to motivate you to keep moving forward and to keep moving the bar upwards.
5. Be kind to yourself- I can’t stress this enough. Changing patterns, habits, and routines is tough. This is why we have to keep trying over and over again. This is why resolutions fail. Work on being kind to yourself if you don’t make the goal or benchmark, then brush yourself off and try again. That’s the key, keep trying.
Waiting until the New Year to make a change isn’t really necessary, but if it gives you that added boost you need to take the step forward then use that momentum.
There is a rumor that a habit takes 21 days to create. While this isn’t entirely accurate (see below to read more) you can work on forming a positive routine in that time period.
What’s the difference? A habit happens without thinking, while a routine takes planning. Most life changes start with a new routine. Many stay as a routine -think planning your workouts for the week, but some can become habit, like adding that glass of lemon water first thing in the morning. You do it enough and it becomes part of your life.
The key to any change in your life is making the commitment to start. To taking that first step.
Here’s to 2023 being the year you make the commitment to yourself, you are so worth it.
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-it-take-to-form-a-habit