How Are Those New Year's Resolutions Coming Along?

It is mid-January, which means that if you made a New Year’s resolution, you may have given it up already because the average resolution lasts just around two weeks.

So how can you set a resolution and keep it? First, don’t attempt to change too many things at once. Work on just one at a time. Secondly, there is a difference between a goal and a resolution. A goal is time-bound with concrete specifications. For example, “I will write my first book and submit it to the publisher within 12 months”. A resolution is a commitment to BE someone different. So, if the goal is to write a book, the resolution could be to write 250 words every day on whatever topic comes to mind. The lofty goal now seems a little more attainable, and as you write daily, you begin to SEE yourself as a writer. This is an important mental shift. Once you are a writer, you do what writers do – create a good place to write, think about plots and characters, set aside a chunk of time every day and create your stories.

This approach is applicable to any resolution. For example, instead of setting a goal of losing 15 pounds, you set a resolution to eat healthy. If you want to start running and want to complete a 10K, your resolution may be to run a short distance every day and you will begin to think of yourself as a runner. And what do runners do? Run longer and faster over time and a 10k becomes inevitable.

By definition, to adopt a new way of being means change. It means forming new, supportive habits and letting go of old ones. That of course, is not easy, so give yourself grace when you slip up, as you eventually will, and don’t let it derail you. If you miss a day running or writing, don’t berate yourself or worse, give up. Enjoy your free time fully and then get back on track the next day. You won’t be perfect every day, but as long as the trend is going in the right direction, you are succeeding!

What happens when you lose your motivation? Write down all the reasons you made the resolution in the first place and the benefits you will enjoy when you succeed. When motivation flags, pull out the list and remember why you are doing it and re-commit to your resolution.

It is possible to keep your resolution if you create it in a way that seems challenging but achievable and if you resolve not just to DO something new but to BE someone new.

You can do it.