According to USA.gov, some of the most popular New Year’s resolutions are to eat healthier foods, get fit, lose weight, manage stress, quit smoking, and drink less alcohol. In other words, take better care of the self.
This is a great idea, but it can be a challenge to accomplish. As you think back through the years, what percentage of your resolutions have you been successful with? Do you make the same ones year after year?
One of the difficulties with carrying through with resolutions is that we think we want to change when we really don’t. Sometimes we merely think we should want to change, or wish we wanted to change. This is not enough to accomplish a goal, and sets us up for failure.
It’s our most prominent thoughts that come to reality, so if you’re not deep down interested and willing to make a change, it probably won’t happen.
If you’re planning to make a resolution this year, take time to turn your resolution into a prominent thought. Imagine what your life would be like if you followed through. How would your life change? What other effects would it make? How would you feel about the change? How much effort are you willing to put into it?
Then imagine what life would be like if you didn’t follow through. Imagine things staying the same, or staying on the same path. Which scenario makes you feel truly better about yourself? If it’s the latter, perhaps you should choose another resolution, or consider breaking it down into smaller resolutions that you can more easily work into your life.
I once read a joke about a man whose doctor told him to start an exercise program, very slowly. He started by driving past a store that sold exercise equipment! This may be a bit too slow a start, but he did have the right idea. You may benefit by getting creative in figuring the best way to start a long term goal.
If your resolution is to start an exercise program, allow yourself a month to experiment with different forms to find what you’ll enjoy, that will work into your schedule. If you’re short on time, make a goal of exercising a few minutes each day. Everyone can afford a few minutes. Then work your way up to 1⁄2 hour a day, or more, if you like. If your goal is to eat healthier, start by simply adding more vegetables into your diet. Adding to the diet is easier than taking things away.
No matter what your goal, celebrate when you succeed, and don’t beat yourself up when you don’t. Guilt is a useless emotion that only drains your energy. If you need to, start over or pick up where you left off. It really is okay.
If you’d like some healthy resolution ideas, the following take no extra time or money: Have more eye contact during conversations; express gratitude every day; call someone you love on a regular basis; compliment people every chance you get; turn negative thoughts into positive ones; say only good things about people; and schedule time with loved ones.
Make sure you word your resolution(s) positively. Always focus on what you want, not what you don’t want.
Instead of saying you’re going to stop drinking alcohol, say I’m only going to drink healthy beverages. Instead of saying you’re going to stop smoking, say you’re only going to breathe in healthy air. Your choice of words are very important. It’s like the adage, “Don’t think about a pink elephant.” As soon as you say it, you think about it.
Focus on what you want. Put your resolution as an event on your calendar every day so you’ll be reminded of it. Be happy with small steps if that makes your resolution more do-able. Think about how you’ll feel as you accomplish your goal, and if you fall down, brush yourself off and get going again without guilt. You’ll be a happier, healthier person. Cheers!