How to Make New Year’s Resolutions Stick
New Year's is around the corner and that means it’s time for a brand spanking new start. There is something so magical and invigorating about the concept of beginning anew as we ring in a fresh year. Nothing reflects this transition more than setting New Year's resolutions. You know that annual intimidating dance between identifying your aspirations and making them into a reality.
The beginning of the year is a promise of a blank canvas awaiting the strokes of our visions and ambitions. However, many of us find ourselves caught in the familiar web of resolutions made and resolutions lost. In the whirlwind of modern life, with its constant overstimulation and uncertainty, our dreams and goals seem to fade as quickly as they appear. We get overwhelmed and discouraged sometimes before we even get started.
However, the challenge lies not in our capacity to dream, but in how we’re able to transform those dreams into tangible, sustainable actions. We’re going to make this year different by giving you the tips you need to make your resolutions stick. And most importantly, how to make them more enjoyable. We’ve curated not just a list of the best resolution tips but a New Year thrive guide—because, let's face it, why shouldn't your journey of self-improvement be as fabulous and fulfilling as you are?
Join us as we navigate the path to setting realistic resolutions, embracing a mindset shift, and making 2024 the year you not only set goals but conquer them with flair and joy. Buckle up; it's time to turn those resolutions into a celebration of your most radiant self.
Set The Stage With Self-Reflection
Let's start by creating an understanding of where you are right now in your journey by reflecting on the past year. You must know where you are so that you can understand where you want to be. Grab a knitted blanket, your journal, a pen, and a cup of your favorite coffee or tea. Cozy up anywhere comfy and let your mind wander back through the last twelve months. Reflect on the highs and lows of the past year—the triumphs, the challenges, the mundane, and everything in between. Write it all down.
Mark the victories, no matter how small or big. Acknowledge where you could have improved and what you could have done differently. Growth often hides in unexpected places, so let's make sure to shine a spotlight on it while also drawing inspiration from the wins. Reminding yourself of all you have achieved over the past year also serves to remind you just how capable and powerful you are.
Define Your Authentic Code
Before you get started on your intentions, you’ll want to understand who you are and what’s important to you. Society tells us how to think, what to want, what is ideal, and what is good or bad. It’s important to set goals that are truly reflective of your beliefs and values so you aren’t inadvertently chasing someone else's dreams. Always trying to go for things that are inauthentic to you is the quickest way to ensure you don’t get them.
Therefore, ask yourself to get to the core of what you’re calling in and ensure it aligns with your authenticity. Dig deep and identify your principles and priorities. What ignites your passion and interests? What brings you joy? What do you truly want? Your values are your guiding lights and the essence of who you are.
Try to think of at least four words to act as your authentic code. Mine are beauty, connection, expansion, and health. Once you've uncovered your core values make sure they are reflected in your resolutions. Your resolutions should be an authentic extension of what truly matters to you and you only.
Identify The Areas Where You Can Shine
Now that you’ve done a ton of reflecting on the past year and defined your values, you can work on applying that insight to your resolutions. Examine your notes and pinpoint the specific areas in your life where a positive change would spark joy and align you with your vision of the future.
Think about the goals and life you want for the New Year and then jot down 3-5 resolutions that support those goals AND align to your authentic code. Maybe it's a bad habit you'd like to bid farewell to or a healthier routine you're eager to embrace. Perhaps you’re looking to explore a new career or to embrace dating to find a partnership.
Make sure your goals are ones you find doable in a way that doesn’t cause you a crazy amount of stress. We’re not setting ourselves up for failure this New Year but for success. That’s not to say it’s going to be a whole lot of fun getting back into the gym if your goal is to slim down and lose 10 pounds. However, there’s a different power when your goal is to become healthier and stronger so that you feel confident and ready to take on the world.
SMART Goal Setting
Embarking on a journey towards growth and achieving our aspirations and dreams will become a much smoother ride when we adopt the SMART goal-setting concept. SMART goal setting stands for: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Use this concept like a compass for your goals. It provides clear directions and essential checkpoints, to keep us on the right path and reach our destination with confidence and power.
Applying the SMART criteria to our resolutions would be like taking, for instance, the generic goal of "get more physical activity" and transforming it into a SMART goal by setting a specific and measurable target like "walk 30 minutes Monday to Friday every day at 3 o'clock during my break". This shifts abstract wishes to a concrete plan with an achievable timeframe and plan.
Prioritize YOU
No matter what your resolutions are, incorporate self-care into the plan. Amidst life's transformations, envision self-care as your daily superhero cape. During changes in your life, it’s important to recognize that a content version of yourself needs to emulate positivity across every aspect of life.
Prioritizing your mental and physical well-being isn't a self-indulgent act; it's a strategic maneuver that won’t just be a personal benefit. It's a ripple effect that enhances your ability to navigate challenges and embrace others with a vibrant spirit.
Give The Year A Theme
We have the perfect New Year’s resolutions now and our plans for how to incorporate them into our new year. We shall now create a fun little setup of motivation and joy surrounding this ideal year!
Imagine your life next year is a movie waiting to be made. Step into the role of the writer and craft your ideal year into a theme for the year. It’s your life and therefore your script. Take charge by selecting a guiding word or phrase that encompasses your dream life in the year 2024 - be it "Vibrance,” “Adventure," "Balance," “Wellness,” “Wander,” or "Brightness." Let this chosen theme set the tone for your year.
Use this theme and channel your inner artist by crafting a visual love letter to your goals and aspirations this year. Let the positive energy and beautification of your life guide you towards your goals.
Happy New Year and We’ll See the New You on the Other Side
As we wrap up this joy-filled guide to making resolutions the WOO WOO way, remember that life is an ever-evolving masterpiece, and you are the artist shepherding the paintbrush on the canvas. Your New Year's resolutions aren't rigid; they're the bright and unique strokes on the painting of your life.
Let's make this year not just about resolutions but about joy, growth, and the unabashed celebration of a fabulous you.
Feeling empowered and ready to start your resolution journey after reading this? As a certified NLP Mindset and Transformation Coach, I can help you create a vision for the dreamy life you want to create in 2024! To learn more about the program and working with me click here.
