“New Year, New Me,” is what everyone says once a new year rolls around. A new year means a new beginning, it represents fresh ideas and ambitious goals. Every year, I promise myself that I’ll do something different to my lifestyle to change it, and each year I never end up achieving New Year’s resolutions. As I reflect on why this happens, I realize that I’ve never done it right. New Year’s resolutions have been used for many years, but there’s a reason why so many fail each year. The common problem behind our failure to stick to our yearly goals lies in our “why.” Here are a few reasons why my stack of incomplete New Year’s resolutions keeps piling up that might help you successfully get through your own.
Forgetting The Reason You Set A Goal
What is your purpose with your resolutions? Are you clear as to why you want to achieve what you want? If you’re on the same bench as I am, chances are you might not have a definite image to drive your resolutions. Seek inspiration and specific reasons that can motivate you to get to where you want to be. Identify whether or not your goals would make a positive change in your life.
Not Enough Commitment
Skipped your first day of working out? Ate out when you told yourself you wouldn’t? Oftentimes, thinking about doing something overshadows actually doing it. I have to say that there are circumstances that we don’t have control over, but we should try our best to commit ourselves to our goals. Though attempting to meet your aspirations alone is not enough, as success is all about having a balanced combination of self-care and commitment to your actual goals.
Constantly Over-Pressuring Yourself
We all know that change is scary. I’m the biggest advocate to say I hate change. Diving into the unknown is scary when it comes to achieving your goals. If it’s too much for you, that’s okay. You know what they say: “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.” Take care of yourself, and release that pressure. Remember, the beginning of a new year is not the only time you’re allowed to set some goals for your life, it can happen whenever you feel you can put yourself up to the task.
Just because New Year’s resolutions are a cultural norm in our society, doesn’t mean you’re obligated to participate. You’re allowed to be happy with who you are, and if you aren’t, you’re allowed to change whenever you want — you don’t have to wait for a calendar page to flip to live the life you want to. You’re in control of your life, and deserve to do what’s best for you, no matter what societal norms try to push on you. Resolutions can happen anytime during the year, and it’s okay to not be able to have them happen right as the new year is starting. If you decide to go through with a resolution, always remember your “why,” because this is what will help you stick to it throughout the year.