Resolutions: 3 Ways to Keep Yours this New Year
The New Year is a great time to let go of the past and begin anew, and that’s why many of us make resolutions. Unfortunately, most resolutions are disregarded by Spring.
If you want to make – and keep – your New Year’s resolutions, here are three things you must do:
1. Put the Past Behind You – Start with a Clean Slate
Don’t carry over last year’s baggage into this new year. Draw a line in the sand and say to yourself, “I am leaving my past behind. I’m finished with the inner judgments, the ‘would haves, could haves, should haves’ and all of the guilt and regrets.” With this decision made, you have a clean slate in which to consider the permanent lifestyle changes you want to make.
You could also say, “I am willing to accept myself and my life the way it is, rather than the way I think I should be, and the way I wanted life to be.” Self-acceptance and acceptance of life on life’s terms are at the center of inner peace.
2. Set Realistic Expectations and Achievable Goals
The problem with many New Year’s resolutions is in our unrealistic expectations. If you want to be successful, it’s essential to set realistic goals and expectations for yourself.
If you start out expecting to exercise 6 days a week, the chances are that life will get in the way, and you will not be able to do it.
On the other hand, if your goal is to exercise 2 days a week, you may end up exercising more often. And then when life gets busier (which it will) you can still achieve and maintain your 2 days a week exercise routine.
Some of us find it easier to make small, gradual changes that culminate in reaching a larger goal. And that’s perfectly fine.
No matter how you get there, focus on what went right with keeping your resolution. Now with this wisdom, plan for the next change you want to make.
3. Learn to be Resilient
Ultimately, the people who succeed in making permanent lifestyle changes are those who keep persevering through stops and starts along the way.
So, if you break your New Year’s resolution, don’t dismay — learn from it, acknowledge what got in the way of reaching your goals, and start again.
Counseling and Life Coaching Can Help
Some resolutions seem too big to go it alone; as an Internationally Certified Counselor and Life Coach, I am happy to help.
You’ll learn to put the past behind you and accept yourself just as you are. No judgment and no guilt.
We’ll work together to get a full understanding of your strengths and weaknesses so that you are able to make a plan for the future self that you want to be.
Most importantly, you’ll set realistic expectations, achieve goals, and make positive, permanent changes to your life.
May this be your best year ever!
P.S. If you want to lose weight and gain health and confidence this year, join me for a Weight Loss Hypnosis Workshop on January 23rd, 6-8 pm. Click here for the details and to purchase a discounted ticket.