It’s that time of year when we all start thinking of resolutions and goals for the New Year. Maybe on your list is to get fitter, healthier and happier – again?!
But with 80% of New Year resolutions failing by February, it’s time to find a new way to make and achieve healthy goals.
The whole idea of making a resolution is because we feel it’s time for change – in our jobs, at home or in ourselves, but often we make mistakes before even starting, by potentially making them unrealistic and impossible to keep!
Setting one goal or resolution such as losing weight or going to the gym five times a week isn’t always the most effective. It can mean we’re forever chasing fulfilment that is just out of reach. Perpetuating guilt when we ‘fall off the wagon’ or don’t achieve it in time, can leave us feeling demotivated.
Ready to make 2020 different? Here’s how to make intentions that stick in five easy steps…
1. Set intentions instead of resolutions
Researchers and experts are now realising the benefits of setting intentions. This helps us attribute more meaning and flexibility to our goals. Realistic goal-setting is an effective way to tweak our lifestyle and live longer.
A resolution might be something like ‘I want to lose weight’, whereas an intention is ‘I want to take better care of my body.’ Intention-setting increases chances of succeeding by allowing for a range of actions towards accomplishing the goal. But, more importantly, you don’t get derailed by falling off the wagon and adjustments can be made easily.
2. Reflect on the things you’ve already achieved
Before creating goals, use the new year to reflect on everything you’ve accomplished over the last year – everything you have to be grateful for. There’s probably a lot more there than you originally thought. Write it all down, review it and update it throughout the year. “Progress equals happiness,” says author and anthropologist Tony Robbins. Use the progress you already have to propel you forward!
3. Make intentions when you feel ready
To make successful changes that stick, you have to start with your state of mind. Wait until you’re feeling more positive before even thinking about changes you want to make in the New Year. This should help prevent any unrealistic expectations you may have, creating a healthy realism in your efforts to make positive and achievable plans for the coming year.
4. Start with small, defined intentions
Small but concrete actions can boost our happiness more than generic, lofty ones. Similarly, setting huge, generic goals are very hard to achieve. Instead, try to make small promises that are easier to keep, such as eating more vegetables or going for a daily walk. Not only are these more positively charged, but they’re also something you can realistically achieve and, as a result, stay motivated.
5. Remember that you’re in control
True change comes from within, so it’s really helpful to remember that it only takes a change of mind to make a change in life. You’re never stuck with one way of doing something because you can always change your mind. Let your goals evolve. What you feel or want may change over time. Be flexible with yourself and you’re much more likely to achieve!
So have fun, make positive changes and enjoy thinking about a New Year ahead! If one of your goals is health related, make sure you book an appointment NOW before the end of the year.