Well, it’s that time of the year again. Nearly three weeks have passed since we entered into 2014, and by now we’re sure it’s getting harder to keep up those new year’s resolutions. That’s why we’ve come up with a list of four basic tips that will help you maintain your resolutions into 2015 (and beyond).
1. Set realistic expectations for yourself
More often than not, when the New Year rolls around so does this euphoria that makes us feel almost superhuman. This, of course, is amazing, but it leads most of us astray from creating realistic goals. For example, many people want to go the gym more often. Rather than telling yourself you’ll go every day, make it a goal to go maybe once or twice a week. If you make the goal seem reasonable it becomes just that, and if you fall off the wagon it’s easier to climb back on!
2. It isn’t a resolution; it’s a lifestyle change
Another common problem with resolutions is that most people view them as just that: a sort of promise to yourself to make a change. This is amazing in theory, but our resolutions often feel as if they have a start and end date. If you have goal to be more patient or understanding, that means taking a step back and observing yourself. You have to be proactive, which is challenging for some; but if it wasn’t challenging it wouldn’t be much of a change, would it? Remember that you are changing your life for the better and that requires effort. Persevere and you’ll remain in it for the long haul.
3. Forgive yourself when you slip up
No one is perfect. With this fact comes the possibility of maybe skipping a few gym sessions, losing your temper, or maybe even staying up later than you meant to if you’re trying to regulate your sleep schedule. We’ll repeat it: no one is perfect. Accept it. Revel in it. It makes giving it another try that much easier!
4. Stick to it
So it’s been said it takes up to twenty one days for something to become a habit and about six months for it to become part of your personality! While we can’t necessarily vouch for the vaildity of those numbers, we can be sure that change certainly does not happen overnight. Keep motivational quotes and goals, and have a journal with you to track your progress. Do anything you feel will push you through the end, and you won’t regret it!
Here’s to 2014 and following through on your resolutions.
Photo credits: http://www.familyfriendlyhudsonvalley.com/2013/06/independence-day-firew…