Happy New Year and welcome to “resolution season.” If you’re a typical American, your resolution list probably includes some of the usual suspects: lose weight, exercise more, quit smoking, get more sleep, get your finances in order. For most of us, our ambitious intentions fade by late January.
Here are some ideas to help you find your resolution solution:
- Don’t call them resolutions. Calling them “resolutions” can put a lot of pressure on you. Instead, call them “goals.” The word “goal” has a positive connotation and has built-in images of success. That leads to the second point.
- Visualize your success. If you are successful in achieving your goal, what will it look like? What will it feel like? Imagine yourself succeeding and all the positive energy that flows from that accomplishment.
- Get specific and realistic. It’s simply too overwhelming to say you’d like to “be healthier.” Instead, set some specific targets, such as “I will exercise for 30 minutes three times a week” or “I will drink one liter of water a day” or “I will commit to at least seven hours of sleep every night.”
- Write it down. Written reminders can be very powerful, especially if you post them on your bathroom mirror, your refrigerator, or your desk. Want to make it even more powerful? Sign your name at the bottom. Now you have a contract with yourself.
- Share it with someone who loves you. We all need accountability. Choose someone who will support you and share your written list with them. That person now becomes your partner in success.
- Don’t beat yourself up. When you slip up – and you probably will – don’t give up entirely. Ask yourself why you slipped up, resolve to continue your journey, and refocus. Change can be difficult and slow. Over time, small steps will make a difference.
- Celebrate your success. We are all motivated by the promise of a reward. So as you imagine your success, decide how you want to celebrate: a new outfit or gadget, a party with friends, or maybe a personal vacation day to do all of your favorite things. Write your planned reward at the bottom of your list, or even post a picture of it next to your list.
A new year gives us an opportunity to evaluate ourselves and the direction of our lives. Introspection can lead to tremendous personal growth if we use this time to continue growing into the kind of person God intended us to be. There is no magic in waiting. We can do great things, if only we are brave enough to try.
One last note: Those of us who have been consistently coming to the Y over the past few weeks might have enjoyed a little more space and less jockeying because attendance generally drops off during December. This month will bring many new and lapsed members into our Y. Let’s all remember to be patient, supportive and kind. After all, we all started somewhere. And we all want our community to be healthier. So let’s welcome new and returning members with open arms.
From all of us at the Y, Happy New Year!