In this last week of 2015, I, like many people, am considering what my New Year's Resolution is going to be. And like so many others, I am wondering how you're actually supposed to do these things. For me, the resolution barely lasts through January, and if I stumble upon my decided game plan any other month of the year, it is likely to make me cringe with shame and disappointment. After doing a bit of research, I have come up with several tips to make your New Year's Resolutions stick.
1. Be specific
Most people's New Year's resolutions sound something like this:
"I am going to get in shape."
"I am going to finish every creative project I start."
"I am going to travel this year."
While there is nothing wrong with big, general statements like these, they do not make good New Year's resolutions. What exactly will you do to "get in shape" or "get organized"? Try thinking of something concrete and specific, like "I will clean out my office room" or "I will go to the gym once a week". This leads into the next tip:
2. Think small
Don't get me wrong, it's good to want big, dramatic changes in your lifestyle if you know you need to change. But, sometimes, going full-out with a change can be more trouble than it's worth. It's simpler to start with small things that seem manageable, like starting a prayer journal, or skipping dessert if you're full. If you can do these things, the confidence you may feel from succeeding would motivate you towards larger goals.
3. Share it with others
If other people know about your resolution and the steps you're taking to reach it, they can provide support and accountability to help you get there. Whether they're a group of like-minded individuals, your peers, or your family, having others helping you with your goal will take some of the pressure off of you. Which leads into my last point:
4. Don't be so hard on yourself
Let's face it, nobody's perfect. It's okay to mess up on your resolution, as long as you keep trying. Don't give up after one failure, but don't be so afraid of failing that you stress out and inevitably crash as a result. Eventually, you will get there, and you will feel amazing about yourself.
