New Year's Resolution
Question: This far into 2020, how much progress have you made towards your New Year’s resolution(s)? If the answer is little to none, you can relax; you’re in the majority. According to Forbes, 64% of resolutions will be abandoned sometime within the first month of the new year. If you’re with the rest of us and you’ve already retired your New Year’s aspirations, look on the bright side: 2020 can only get better from here!
But why do nearly two thirds of our resolutions burn out so quickly? Is it something to do with the weather? Is January simply cursed? It turns out that New Year’s resolutions fail because of our mentality. To make a lifestyle change that lasts beyond January, we first have to change the way we think about these resolutions. So if you’re still persevering towards your goals, or even if you’ve let some goals slip, these tips will make it possible for you to crush your resolutions for 2020.
Believe you can accomplish your resolution. It sounds simple, but it is vitally important. CNN reports that you are ten times more likely to succeed with your resolutions if you believe success is possible. Take a moment to believe in yourself. Try to avoid negative thoughts: “I tried to do this last year. I didn’t do it then, so I probably won’t do it now.” Instead, think about the new year and the new possibilities before you: “Last year was last year. This year is new, and I believe I can succeed!”
Be kind to yourself. It’s likely that you’re going to struggle with your resolution, and you might fall back onto old habits you’re trying to change. When you slip up, let it motivate you to keep working to do better. If you’re trying to wake up earlier but hit snooze until two hours passed your first alarm, that’s okay. Don’t desert your resolution because of anger or embarrassment. Instead, show yourself compassion and forgiveness, and try again.
Know yourself. While you’re working on your resolution, are you becoming happier, healthier, better? If not, perhaps it’s not the right resolution for you at this moment. Sometimes, the resolutions we set to resolve a certain issue are not the best solution for that particular issue. Your resolution could be to become healthier by losing weight, but you may find that a better resolution may be to become healthier by surrounding yourself with love and self-love. Don’t be afraid to adjust your resolutions and discover things about yourself. After all, that’s what a new year is all about.
Best of luck in 2020, and Happy New Year!
https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/01/health/keeping-new-years-resolutions-wellness/index.html