The one thing more cliché than making a list of new year’s resolutions is breaking them two days later. New year’s resolutions tend not to lead to sustainable behaviour change because they are not created in a way that channels motivation and change. Resolutions are drastic goals often set way too high. We’re all doomed to fail when we’re trying to exercise more, stop drinking, eat healthier and feel more gratitude all in one ceremonious go. What’s more, new year’s is a time when many experience the post-holiday blues, which is certainly not the most empowering mood to help you achieve unrealistic resolutions. So, first things first, let’s accept that the idea of new year’s resolutions are flawed. Here’s a better way to set and achieve goals in 2021.
Don’t be too hard on yourself and consider starting with a much simpler goal that isn’t a form of self-punishment like telling yourself to wake up at 6am every day to complete a heavy workout. Instead of this, find a simpler routine of working out and slowly climbing up the ladder. Or rather than telling yourself to lose 20 kilos in a year, set smaller monthly goals instead because losing a few kilos a month isn’t as daunting of a task and you’ll be less likely to give up if you’re not seeing immediate results.
Instead of setting all or nothing resolutions, set smaller and more achievable micro goals. According to The New York Times, setting micro goals can actually increase your productivity. Rather than deciding to restrict yourself from something completely, simply cutting down on your activity is actually more effective. For instance, instead of saying you won’t shop the entire year, try limiting yourself to one item you can buy a month. Micro goals create a healthier mindset, and as you hit each monthly or weekly goal, you’ll celebrate it instead of becoming discouraged and giving up completely when you can’t quit a habit or immediately execute a huge lifestyle change right away.
Likewise, in place of making one “Grand Resolution”, change it to “New Year’s Goals and Dreams.” They might sound similar, but the approach and mindset to achieving them is different. Goals involve planning, preparing, a direction to follow and taking realistic action. To set achievable goals, first of all, try visualising the end result—how will your life look like while you’re working towards that goal? Or how does your life look like when the goal has been reached? What did you do mentally and physically to achieve your goal? Most importantly, remember that setbacks are inevitable. We’re all human and far from perfect, and that’s completely okay. If you take a step back, don’t beat yourself up about it but alternatively, evaluate what happened and carefully think in which area you might need more support or motivation.
Lastly, be honest with yourself and keep going. Try not to set a timeline for accomplishing what you want to accomplish. Trust that as long as you keep going, you are making progress and heading towards the right direction.
Related: 20 Things To Do In 2020
