When a new year begins, people are full of optimism for what the future holds. In order to make the most of the coming year, many people choose New Year’s resolutions to make positive changes once the ball drops and the clock strikes midnight. However, many of these resolutions are given up within a few weeks and the promises made are gone quicker than the length it took to make them. This year, follow through by setting New Year’s resolutions that will stick.
Popular New Year’s Resolutions
It’s not surprising to learn that most resolutions concern wellness. Our well-being is important, and when you feel good, you look good. This helps you in every other aspect of your daily life. It’s easy to breeze through your chores and daily routine when you feel good about yourself.
These types of New Year’s resolutions typically follow two main types of wellness: “less” or “more.” In the first group are the people who resolve to cut down on unhealthy foods, quit smoking, reduce drinking habits or limit stress. The “more” resolutions include more exercise, fresh foods and quality time. Other common resolutions have the effect of making people feel better about themselves, which in turn reduce stress and boost self-esteem. This includes activities such as recycling, volunteering or becoming involved in community groups.
Resolutions That Will Succeed
Once you’ve come up with a few goals of your own, start by writing your resolutions. Think of this like a shopping list. When you go to the grocery store, you always find what you’ve written down. By writing down your resolutions, you are affirming that you will follow through. When you’re listing your promises to yourself, imagine your life this time next year. Imagine yourself as the person you want to be. Picture yourself as a smoke-free person, energetically striding out for your daily walk, or seeing the admiring glances when you’re wearing your skinny jeans. Whatever your resolution may be, picture yourself having achieved your goal. Think about the positive and dismiss negative thoughts. This will give you the mental power that you will succeed.
Take Resolutions One Day At A Time
Any professional counselor will advise that when you’re making life-changing efforts, it’s best to take things one day at a time. You are making a commitment and you know that if you can stick to your resolutions today, you’ll be one step nearer your goals. Remember that by making yourself healthier and happier, you’re also enhancing the lives of those around you. What you’re doing isn’t selfish, but rather a bonus for everyone. Your family will be much happier to see the new you. Everyone wants the best for the people they love and by becoming healthier, you are giving your loved ones a gift – the knowledge that you are living life to the fullest.
Looking Forward And Looking Back
If you feel that you are struggling with your new goals, remember why you decided to improve your life. At midnight, you were so determined to make it a great year. What has changed? The chances are that the motivation is still there inside you. If you feel like reaching for the bad habit you are trying break, look back at the old you and look forward to the person you will become.
New Year’s Resolutions Aren’t Tests
New Year’s resolutions are challenges that you set for yourself. Remember that no one is judging you and there are no rules or regulations. No one has said that your New Year’s resolutions are a test of your willpower, so if you need help, don’t be afraid to ask. Make use of the facilities available to you. If there are products that can help, use them. Make use of your spiritual beliefs to enhance your efforts, keeping in mind that what you’re doing isn’t a selfish act. By improving your well-being, you are adding to the happiness of your loved ones. If your family and friends can help you in any way, accept their help. You don’t have to do all of this alone.
Make Resolutions That You Will Keep
If you falter, that doesn’t mean you’ve fallen. If your goal is to lose weight and you slip up for a moment, don’t see this as an excuse to throw in the towel. No one is perfect all the time. Accept that you’ve tripped up slightly but don’t feel guilty. See your error as a mere slip, not a reason to give in. In other walks of life, it’s unlikely that you’d let a small setback hinder your goals. If you’re driving to the grocery store and you’re held up by traffic, that doesn’t stop you in your goal to buy food to feed your family.
Your New Year’s resolutions are just another part of your daily life and every obstacle is one that must be conquered and passed. At the end of your goal, you’ll feel stronger knowing everything you have overcome on a daily basis until it no longer feels like an obstacle. This year, make your New Year’s resolutions be the beginning of the new you.