Happy New Year from KJC Law Firm!
It’s 2021! Many people see the New Year as a fresh start to reinvent themselves into a healthier and stronger person. Let’s face it. 2020 was not exactly a smooth sailing year. The idea of New Year’s Day allows us to positively look forward to begin a new phase in life and leave the unhealthy habits in 2020. New Year’s resolutions are one of the most popular methods for those who are looking to make healthy changes in their lifestyle. With New Year’s Day being in the middle of the holiday/party and vacation season, it is not always one of the best times to begin a new healthy chapter.
Majority of people fail to stick to their New Year’s resolution because often times it is too overwhelming and not specific enough. For example, someone’s New Year’s resolution may be to lose 20 pounds but without a plan or timeline it seems daunting. Some resolutions are too broad and just consist of exercising better or eating healthier. With the right mindset and tools, you can tackle (and keep) your New Year’s resolution by following some of these tips. Don’t set yourself up for failure by promising to make humungous changes that are hard to keep. Instead, follow these six steps for making a new year’s resolution lasting and successful.
Focus on one thing
If you are looking to give your whole life a makeover, don’t try to change every aspect at once. It won’t work because it will be too overwhelming and hard to keep track. Instead, pick one area of your life to focus on. Make it something clear and known so that you will know exactly what habits need to be changed. After reaching your goal, focus on another area, then another. Focusing on one step at a time is way more realistic and an easier way to stick to healthy habits. Avoid New Year’s Resolutions that are bound to fail, like running a marathon if you are severely overweight and get tired from walking up the stairs. Instead, make a goal to walk a certain amount of steps each day. Start small and work your way to that marathon.
Plan
To reach success, you need to research what you are doing in order to make the change. This will help so you have the resources available when you need them. Some tips to do to prepare and get everything into place. Go to the library or research on the web and read about the subject of your new year’s resolution. Whether its running, eating plant-based, or quitting smoking there are articles and books that can help you prepare. If you do enough research, you should be ready to tackle the change. Get all the equipment and materials you need such as clothes, food, and resources so that are no excuses in the way of your goal.
There will be challenges
There will be times where it might be tempting to break your new year’s resolution or goal, and that’s totally normal. Make a list of challenges that you will expect along the journey of conquering your goal. Identify the times of the day or the specific details that will make it hard for you. Once you have identified the times that will probably be hard work out ways to cope with them when they pop up.
Pick a date
It doesn’t have to be January 1. That’s the common date for most but if you want to make effective changes pick a date when you will be well-rested, surrounded by supportive people, and motivated. It could be January 15th or February 1st, whatever works for you. Sometimes it’s better to wait until you are mentally and physically read to take on the challenge. You will know when that time comes.
You can do it
Put 100% effort into it and make a commitment. Write it down on a piece of paper and put it on the fridge or somewhere you can see it clearly. A short phrase of encouragement you can carry in your wallet is all you need. Keep it wherever it is most convenient for you for that extra push. Your commitment card can say something like “I enjoy a smoke-free and healthy life” or “I meditate daily”.
Accept Failure
If you slip up, don’t beat yourself up. Make a note of triggers and challenges that caused a setback and learn a lesson from it. If you know that alcohol makes you less likely to wake up early and go for your daily run, cut back on it. If you know that stress causes you to pig out on junk food, find other outlets to release tension. Perseverance is the key to success. Try again, and keep trying and you will be successful.
