New Years Resolutions
In just 18 days, a new year begins. We will usher in 2022 and all of the new opportunities it brings with it. To try and take advantage of the new year, thousands of people all over will commit themselves to "New Year's Resolutions." Despite starting with plenty of enthusiasm, Forbes tells us that 80% of New Year's Resolutions will be abandoned within a month of making them! Failing to maintain these resolutions can leave people feeling like failures, but the truth is the way we make these new goals don't actually set us up for success for several reasons.
Firstly, changing a behavior is much harder than you'd expect. To create a new behavior, your brain has to forge brand new pathways and that takes time! Secondly, trying to force yourself to face something that is scary, intimidating, or anxiety-inducing over and over again while you forge a new habit creates a lot of stress. Eventually that stress will recede, but getting there is far from easy. So let's talk about what to try instead.
Before you say goodbye to 2021 and throw yourself into something new, take a moment to reflect on what you've already done! What are you proud of? How did you stretch yourself this year? Celebrate your victories, big and small! Next, set some attainable goals. Saying something vague like "I want to be healthier" doesn't really give you anything to measure. Instead, try "I want to go to the gym once a week." That gives you a numerical marker to follow! Also, try to make goals that are feasible. If you want to practice more mindfulness, but have never tried to meditate or journal on a regular basis before, trying to commit to journaling and meditating every single day can be pretty overwhelming. Start with something simpler and work up from there!
Above all, be gentle with yourself. Whether your new year's resolutions stick the way you want them to or not, you are worthy of love and respect. That includes love and respect from yourself. Do your best, and give yourself grace when it's needed.
Happy Holidays Everyone!
