How to Commit to Your New Year’s Resolution
Sometimes making New Year’s resolutions almost feels like you’re setting yourself up for failure. Whether it’s to lose weight, do more exercise, or be happier – committing to those resolutions and finding the motivation or discipline that’s necessary can feel downright impossible.
The good news is that it doesn’t have to feel that way. Just as you have control over making your resolutions, you must also realize that you have complete control over committing to them as well. And there are some strategies that can help improve that discipline and guide you in sticking with your commitments.
Make your resolutions count this year with a few of these tips that can help you stay on track.
Focus on One Thing at a Time
If you’re feeling excited for the new year and have a list of several items you want to nail down and commit to, the odds are more against you in finding success or lasting change. We’re much better at focusing on one thing at a time. So this year instead of overwhelming yourself a month after the New Year bell has chimed, give yourself a fighting chance by choosing just one resolution to focus on. That way, you’ll be much more inclined to stick with it.
Baby Steps
When the new year arrives, it doesn’t mean it’s time to dive in cold turkey to whatever it is you’ve decided on. Whether it’s quitting smoking, losing weight or improving your relationship with someone, baby steps are necessary and make it much more likely the resolution will stick. Break your resolutions down into smaller steps with deadlines that you can realistically achieve. When you get a confidence boost from cutting out soda or meditating daily, use that as inspiration for the next challenge.
Commit with a Friend
Having a friend to keep you accountable and that can join in on the resolution can also be a great tactic for ensuring you stay on course and also have someone to share in your process. Just being able to have a person to empathize and understand you on those days when you feel frustrated can provide you with the support and advice you need to hear. It’s a lot harder to skip the gym when your friend is waiting outside to drive you.
Individual Counselling
Whether it’s for yourself or your relationship, having a counsellor to talk to can help you in countless ways for achieving your goals. Professional counsellors can lend an ear to listen and provide you with guidance that can give you the boost you need to make a change and finally commit to your New Year’s resolution.