New Year’s Resolutions

With the ringing in of each new year, we all start thinking of resolutions.  However, the question is, why do we make New Year's resolutions to begin with?  The simple answer is that it is part of our human nature.  We set goals when we begin a new task or a new job.  Why would it not only follow that when a new year rolls around, we would also go through a process that includes setting new goals and forming expectations to carry us through into the new year?

The Most Common New Year’s Resolutions

• Increased exercise

Hit the gym more often, or maybe invest in a home gym to keep your resolution on track.

• Weight loss

Resolving to eat better is hard, but it can be done with a little resolve.  Don't view it as a diet, but more of an eating lifestyle change with the added effect of weight loss.

• Organizing our lives

This task can be an incredibly daunting one, as organization plays a big part in every aspect of our lives—both personal and professional. 

• Learn a new skillset

It always proves exciting to learn something new, and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.

• Be more frugal with money

This one pretty much goes without saying—saving money in today’s economy can be a challenge.  But, on the bright side, it can be done.

• End smoking

Let this year’s resolution to stop be the one that holds.

• More time spent with family and friends

This particular resolution is a rather difficult one with the current world of COVID we live in.  However, that doesn't mean you can't plan a zoom get together to talk, snack, or maybe catch up on a favorite series or enjoy a movie.

• Lose ourselves in a good book

Admittedly, with the advent of the internet and tablets, getting lost in a good book now takes on a whole new meaning.  However, it can still be done if you put your mind to it.

Sticking To Our Resolutions

Making resolutions will only succeed if we follow through on them—plain and simple.  The first step is to prepare yourself for the changes that will need to be made to ensure that your resolutions are kept.  You will need to keep stock of the resolutions you made and work towards their completion at all times.  Do not let yourself backslide or think that maybe you can make the same resolutions next year, as this year is not a good year for it.  If you do not hold yourself accountable, you will not follow through.  Stick to your goals and don't back down—you are stronger than you think.

How can you give yourself a fighting chance to maintain your resolutions?  Here are a few ideas that can help you get you started in the right direction.

Go Big or Go Home

If you will go so far as to make a resolution, why not make it a big and grand one?  Resolve to run a marathon or set a weight loss goal of fifty pounds.  With a little work and keeping your eye on the prize, you will be able to keep a big resolution as quickly as a smaller one.

Take Small Steps

If you find that the resolution, or resolutions, you have set, seem to be a bit bigger than you had thought, not all is lost.  Break each of them down into smaller, manageable steps that will make them easier to tackle and complete.  Something as simple as breaking each resolution down into the required steps necessary and then ticking off each step as it is achieved.  Before you know it, you will have followed through on your resolution.

Make Yourself Accountable

This step is probably the most successful manner of achieving your resolution goals.  Let others know, either through verbal or written communication, your resolutions' details.  Sure, we can tell ourselves we will resolve to do this or to do that.  However, when we make the same resolutions to family and friends, we are more likely to follow through for fear of thinking we may be letting them down in some manner.

Even though the stats show that most individuals do not follow through on their resolutions, to be honest, they are probably not going away anytime soon.  But each new year brings a new hope for a better us and 2021 is no exception. Here’s to keeping your new year’s resolutions and making this year better than the last.