As the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve, many of us were filled with a sense of optimism for the new year. Some of us set New Year Resolutions, vowing to become better versions of ourselves in the new year, hit the gym, eat healthy, and finally bag that degree or certification. But, let’s be real – by February (or sometimes even early January), those resolutions have gone up in flames.
So, what’s going wrong? Is it our lack of willpower, or is something more at play? Here is why your yearly resolutions fail and what you should do differently this year.
Equate your expectations and preparations
Perhaps we tend to set unrealistic expectations, which causes setbacks. We want to become superheroes overnight, without putting in the necessary work. Or maybe it’s our failure to plan. We want to lose weight, but we don’t have a solid plan to make that happen. We wing it, hoping for the best, but ultimately end up with mediocre results.
For a change, set realistic goals this year and have a clear plan to help you stay focused and motivated.
Starting small: The path to success
So, what’s the solution? How can we make our resolutions stick? The answer lies in starting small. Break big goals into manageable chunks, and focus on making progress one step at a time. If you’re looking to land a better-paying job, start with taking a course, work it up to getting certifications and then getting a better-paying job wouldn’t seem like a herculean task.
Drastic changes never happen overnight and this approach provides a more sustainable and effective way to achieve your goals for the year.
Find your “Why”
Another crucial element for achieving success with your resolutions is finding your “why”. What motivates you? What drives you to make this change in your life? Whether it’s to make yourself proud, increase your financial power, or protect your health and well-being, identifying your “why” can help you stay focused and motivated throughout the year, even when the going gets tough.
Accountability is key
And then there’s the issue of accountability. You don’t share your goals with anyone, so when you slip up, (we all do) there’s no one to hold you accountable. We’re left to our own devices, we often find that we’ve abandoned our resolutions altogether.
Sharing our goals with a trusted friend, family member or mentor can provide the motivation and support we need to stay on track.
Track your progress and celebrate successes
Finally, it’s essential to track your progress and celebrate every success. Keep a journal or use a habit tracker to stay on top of your goals and monitor progress. And when you hit a milestone, – whether big or small, celebrate it. Additionally, acknowledging and celebrating your successes will help you stay motivated and encouraged to continue working towards the rest of your goals.
Do things differently this year by following this simple yet intentional approach to your resolutions. Despite the failures of the past years, you can achieve your goals and become the best version of yourself. So, let’s raise a glass to new beginnings, fresh starts, and making this year the best one!
