Your New Year

What is your New Year intention for handling the January trend to make resolutions? Have you ever given up, felt guilty and given yourself 10 nasty thought lashes for breaking those New Year’s resolutions? I have!

You might have vowed to lose weight, eat healthily, exercise more, learn a second language,  learn to play an instrument, earn a raise, get a promotion, and act more confidently yet more compassionately. My, wouldn’t you be a specimen of perfection? If you detected sarcasm in that last line, I commend you.

Let’s start the New Year thoughtfully before jumping into the goal achieving mill.

Consider these 7 ideas:

1. If you decide to commit to a New Year’s resolution, decide on one doable goal.  Don’t overwhelm yourself.
2. When you write out a goal describe it as moving towards. It is easier and clearer than away from an undesirable behavior. So, avoid making a goal beginning with I will not. It is better to word your goal in the affirmative: as in I will exercise for 20 minutes four times a week. 
3. Typically goals, with defined numbers and target dates, work best. Notice the numbers used in the questions below.
4. You can thrive on change but be aware that typically it takes longer than you might imagine establishing a new habit. For years we said, “It takes 21 days to establish a new habit.” But research by Phillippa Lally at University College, London indicates a more realistic length; over 60 days!
5. If, after you set a goal, you decide to let it go (I didn’t write “failed”), know that is just fine.
6. Maybe you would prefer to live more in the moment. I give you permission to do so. You might prefer to focus on feeling gratitude and enjoy seizing opportunities that unfold.
7. Pondering the previous year with key questions sets a solid foundation for beginning anew. Here are ten questions to help you assess how you might want to move forward in the new year.

10 Questions to Assess Your Last Year and Move into Your New Year

1. Did I look after my body by

• exercising an average of 20 minutes or more at least three times a week
  
• getting adequate sleep and
• consuming primarily nutritious foods?

If not, do I resolve to do so or not?

2. Did I keep myself safe by:

• wearing my seatbelt?
• driving within the speed limit without distraction?

If not, do I resolve to do so or not?

3. Did I participate weekly in some form of fun, adventure, laughter or play which helped me lighten up?

If not, do I resolve to do so or not?

4. Did I use or develop my sense of humor?

If not, do I resolve to do so or not?

5. Did I learn and grow formally or informally?

If not, do I resolve to do so or not?

6. Did I manage my finances wisely so that my future is protected from financial distress?

If not, do I resolve to do so or not?

7. Did I work overtime less than twice a month?

If not, do I resolve to do so or not?

8. Did I positively participate and contribute to my family, workplace, and community?

If not, I resolve to do so.

9. Did I practice self-care at least once a week?

If not, do I resolve to do so or not?

10. Did I turn at least one dream or an exciting idea into an accomplishment?

If not, do I resolve to do so or not?

Remember, you can choose to mossy on as is. Making a New Year’s resolution is a choice. You get to decide!

What questions do you suggest adding to the above this list?

Lastly, in the last few years I have been lax about resolutions. I have enjoyed the practice of choosing a word or concept to help navigate the year. My word for this year is ease. If you are like me, we  have had enough struggle, strife, trying to please, and grunting with effort.

By the way, with your New Year!

Please check out these related posts:

Three Ways We Make a Decision and Tips to Help
Use a List of Values to Help Focus Your Time and Energy

Patricia Morgan MA CCC helps her readers, clients, and audiences lighten their load, brighten their outlook, and strengthen their resilience. To go from woe to WOW call 403.242.7796 or email a request.

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