10 Ways to Create Realistic New Year's Resolutions
Ah, New Year’s resolutions – the annual tradition of setting wildly ambitious goals for ourselves, only to abandon them by February. But this year, let’s try something different. Let’s be realistic. I know, I know, where’s the fun in that?
Bear with me.
Ditch the ‘Go Big or Go Home’ Mentality
First off, let’s toss out the notion that your resolutions need to be life-altering epiphanies. You’re not auditioning for a superhero role. Think more ‘incremental upgrade’ than ‘complete overhaul.’ Instead of aiming to run a marathon by March when you currently consider a walk to the fridge as cardio, how about setting a goal to walk 30 minutes a day?
Get Specific or Go Home
“Get in shape” or “Be happier” are as vague as a politician’s promises. Be specific. Want to get fit? Decide how many days a week you’ll exercise and for how long. Craving happiness? Pick up a hobby or schedule regular meet-ups with friends. Specific goals are achievable goals.
Break It Down Now!
Big goals are daunting. Break them into smaller, bite-sized pieces that don’t feel like you’re trying to eat an elephant in one sitting. Want to save money? Start by cutting out one unnecessary expense a week. It’s like dieting but for your wallet.
The Buddy System
Find a friend with similar resolutions. It’s harder to bail on a gym session or a budgeting workshop when someone else is involved. Plus, misery loves company – or so I’ve heard.
Track Your Progress (The Fun Way)
Keep a log of your progress, but make it fun. Use colourful charts, stickers, or an app. Every time you make a little progress, give yourself a gold star. Who says adulting can’t be a throwback to kindergarten?
Embrace the Bumps
You will stumble. Accept it. The path to resolution success is not a straight line; it’s more like a scribble done by a toddler. When you falter, don’t throw in the towel. Just pick up where you left off.
Reward Yourself (Responsibly)
Set up mini-rewards for reaching milestones. Finished a month of your new budget? Treat yourself to a movie. Just don’t let the reward undermine the goal. Celebrating a month of dieting with a cake-eating contest? Not ideal.
Re-Evaluate and Tweak
Your resolutions aren’t set in stone. If you find that a goal is too ambitious or not challenging enough, adjust it. There’s no shame in tweaking.
Remember the ‘Why’
Keep in mind why you set these resolutions in the first place. Whether it’s better health, more savings, or learning a new skill, remembering the ‘why’ can be a powerful motivator when the couch is calling your name.
Keep It Fun
If your resolution feels like a punishment, you’re doing it wrong. Find ways to make it enjoyable. Hate running? Try dancing. Loathe budgeting? Make a game out of saving money.
So, there you have it, folks. A realistic approach to setting New Year’s resolutions that doesn’t involve moving mountains or becoming a completely new person overnight. Remember, the goal is improvement, not perfection. And who knows, you might just surprise yourself by sticking to these resolutions past January 31st!
