We’ve finally rung in the New Year – the big 2015! We have started this semester’s classes. We’re back to our jobs. We’ve found ourselves returning back to our typical routines, and routine is just that – typical.
However, one of the greatest things about the New Year is that it offers a time for us to start fresh and become the person we want to be in the form of New Year’s Resolutions.
With that being said, what are we to do when the one of the major downfalls of making these ambitious New Years Resolutions is that when the hype wears off, we no longer have the motivation to continue on with them? How do we stick to the goals we’ve made for ourselves? Is there a better way for us to continue these resolutions past January?
Nothing sets a person up for failure more than saying, “I need to lose 20 pounds,” “I have to get organized,” or “I will find love this year.” In saying that you need to lose weight, you have to get organized, or that you will find love this year, you force yourself into already not wanting to do it – often without even realizing it.
For example, you’re at home visiting your parents and you were getting ready to unload the dishwasher. One of your parents comes by and says that you have to unload it. Now, at this point, you were already planning on doing so, but you now do it begrudgingly and possibly with an attitude because someone is forcing you to do something you were already planning on doing.
Surprise, surprise! The same works for yourself! The difference? You might (and probably will) get into trouble if you don’t do what your parents ask. The only person to make you do good things for yourself is you. Making goals and promises to yourself with the words have and need and will attached to them backs you up into a corner and usually leaves you lacking the motivation to lose weight, get organized, or find the romantic love interest you’ve been dying for.
One of the easiest ways to make your New Year’s Resolution stick is by simply re-wording your resolution.
Instead of saying you need to lose weight, decide to eat healthier. Instead of saying you have to get organized, start small and put reminders into your phone. Instead of saying that you will find love this year, focus on yourself and let love find you. In not making this an obligation but a choice instead, you’re more likely to follow through and achieve your goal!
Think big, but start small. Above everything else, make these resolutions for yourself. The only person you need to make yourself better is you!