First, let’s discuss resolutions generally – should you even make them?
Some might say – sure, why not? While others will say – No, way! I don’t need resolutions to set myself a goal or maybe it’s stressful.
So, let me start by saying this –
If writing resolutions doesn’t feel good to you – Don’t do it! You shouldn’t do something that is positive if it gives you a negative outcome.
So how should you do it exactly?
Please free some time to read this and act accordingly. This is not a 2-minute list.
First, look at the circle of life chart.
Place a dot within each section to mark how satisfied you are with that area of your life. A dot placed towards the center of the circle indicates dissatisfaction, while a dot placed towards the outside indicates happiness.
For example – Are you happy with your social life? If you’re very happy with it, draw a dot at the edge of that pie, if you’re somewhat happy – your dot will go in the middle of the pie’s section line. If you’re unhappy with it, your dot will be in the end of that section (middle of circle).
It doesn’t matter what people tell you or what other people do. Yes, there are some people who are more social than others. But where are YOU and where do YOU want to be – That’s all that matter. After you’re done going through all sections of the pie, make a list of all the sections you hope to improve in. Then write down specific changes you want under each section.
For example –under physical activity write down exactly what will make you happier in that area. Is it walking 4 times a week for 30 minutes? Or is it running a marathon by the end of the year? Or maybe run one mile a day?
Again – don’t look at what other people are doing. Look at what you’re personally doing and what would you like to be doing in 2019.
Also – be realistic!
If you’re not doing any physical activity at the moment, then running a 10K in 2 weeks probably won’t happen.
Set yourself for success!
Next, you’ll move on to the most important part, the part that will make 2019 different! The part that will set 2019 for success!
The part where you write under each section why you want to improve.
The ”WHY”? You’re probably asking yourself… Yes! The WHY!
Why do you want to be more creative? Why do you want to be more joyous? Why?
If you don’t have the WHY – you don’t have the drive.
If you don’t know why you want to change areas in your life, these intentions won’t stick.
Don’t just nod your head and move on. Sit down and write all your WHYs.
Wait!
We’re not done… Yes, we’re talking business this year!
I really want your 2019 to be YOUR year. How are you going to do that?
What are you going to do to make this happen?
How are you going to be Healthier?
What exactly are you going to do?
Set each section that you want to improve with a SPECIFIC plan. Again – Be realistic!
Going from 0 to 100 in 2 seconds will burn your engine in no time.
You want to cook more at home and eat out less? Great! Why won’t you decide to cook 1 more meal at home every week for a month?
You’re eating a steak 5 days a week but thinking of becoming a vegetarian? Great! Why won’t you try meatless Monday for a month?
It takes us an average of 21 days to obtain a habit.
So start your intentions with trying something for a month to make your new habit your baseline.
Write down your “how” to each and every section you want to improve in and skip the areas you’re already satisfied with.
Tip – think of what worked for you in the past. What didn’t? Learn from your past and if something didn’t work before, maybe try a different way. You know yourself best!
What can help you achieve your goals?
After you’re done going through the entire section of the life chart, sit down and think outside the chart. Is there anything else you want to change this year that didn’t fit in the chart or that you forgot about?
Maybe you want to read more books this year?
Maybe you want to spend less time on your phone or electronic device?
List those too and go through all the process with these as well, (why you want to change them and how exactly you’re going to do that).
Tips –
1. Don’t pressure yourself.I’m well aware of the intention setters on social media and peer pressuring. Don’t go crazy. Compare your 2019 to your 2018 self not to your friend’s 2018 self.
2. Make yourself a priority. It’s hard. Work, family, kids. I know! I totally get it. But try to make yourself some ME time to recharge yourself. All the other people in your life will enjoy it too and support you!
3. Write yourself a reminder every month (I suggest the 1stof every month, that’s easier to remember) and go back to your resolutions. Read them. Read the how. Read the why and decide if you need to change anything. Maybe your how was too much and you need to take a step back for a month. Don’t look at it as a failure. It’s the contrary – you set yourself for success! Don’t criticize yourself. Look at the step forward you’re taking and be happy that you’re still trying! Most people just give up! Just keep going until you find the right way for YOU!The important thing is to learn from your mistakes, what didn’t work for you and why.
4. It doesn’t matter if you set your intentions in February, May or October. Yes, it’s great to start the New Year with resolutions and I love doing it too – fresh start and all, but it’s never too late!
5. Making these changes won’t be all great, easy and comfortable. But if you won’t make the change you will be frustrated because you’re not becoming the person you want to be! So – decide that you want this change and you’re willing to be somewhat uncomfortable during the process. If you commit to it – in one year – you’ll be happy you did (and much sooner actually…).
6. Motivation is temporary. Motivation can get you started, but habits will keep you going! January 1stcomes and gym enrollment is sky rocketing but what’s happening on February 1stor March 1st? Is this going to be the most expensive gym membership because you pay but don’t go? You have to keep going. It will become easier and when you look back, you will be so proud you did. Just keep going!
7. Think of yourself one year from today, where do you want to be?
I know a year looks like a long time, but it’s really not…
Look at yourself a year ago – didn’t time fly?
2019 will fly by and you want to see yourself improving.
You want to become a better version of yourself!
So what are you waiting for?