Res•o•lu•tion | noun
1. A firm decision to do or not to do something.
2. The action of solving a problem, dispute, or contentious matter.
New year’s resolutions get a bad rep sometimes; maybe because most are too specific, too harsh, and focus too much on the negatives we harp on. A 2002 study found that 46 percent of resolution-makers stuck to their goal for 6 months and those that stayed on board the longest had one solid trait in common – self-efficacy.
It might be possible your resolutions don’t always stick because they reach too far outside of yourself. Instead of telling you what goals you should make for the New Year, we’ve gathered some tips on creating resolutions mindfully, allowing you to go about them in a new way. By laying a foundation of intention and presence, you’re much more likely to create resolutions you will stick to and therefore set yourself up for success entering the New Year.
Discover your motivation for change
What is your WHY? Simply stating something you want to change, improve on, do etc. is not enough for most people to follow through with. Uncovering your intention behind making a change can help you better create a resolution that will fulfill what needs to be mended or improved. Digging deep into your personal motivators can tell you a lot about who you are as a person and allow you to enter the New Year with a better sense of self.
Focus on doing less instead of more
So many resolution lists imply adding onto our busy schedules, with more things to do, accomplish, experience etc. But whether good or bad, an increasingly hectic schedule results in more stress and pressure. Our society teaches us to be as busy as possible, but that’s not the best for everyone. Instead, relish is tackling your stress levels, which will help both your mental and psychical health in the long run. Prioritize rest and recovery just as much as your exercise goals. Set a goal to simplify your daily to-dos and you may just receive that sense of fulfillment and accomplishment you desired being able to give 100% to the remaining tasks rather than be stretched amongst many.
Create “anti-resolutions” fueled by self-acceptance
Yes, change can be a very good thing. However, the desire to change oneself often stems from focusing on perceived flaws. Instead of trying to go from black to white, don’t be afraid to enter that gray area. Acknowledge what you think to be flaws and reform them into strengths. End negative self-talk and practice accepting yourself for who you truly are. Make improvements out of love for yourself, striving to be the best version of you as opposed to making changes because you don’t like whom you are.
While these may not be your typical resolution tips or guidelines, they focus on the mindset behind them all. Creating resolutions mindfully and for the right reasons ensures your likelihood to stick to them, no matter the context. We hope these help you establish a strong foundation to have a happy and healthy New Year!
