How To Maintain Your New Year’s Resolution
Some may think New Year’s Resolutions are cheesy. Others may hyperfixate on the belief that the real new year starts in the spring. Still, the traditional New Year has always been one of the most significant transitions we go through as a collective. With that comes a lot of inspiration and a desire to change for the better. As someone who enjoys looking for ways to grow and finding motivation to do so, I enjoy New Year’s Resolutions. For those of us who do take advantage of these resolutions: consistency, procrastination, and a lack of motivation can eventually stall them. Statistically, they often don't last, and by two to three months, resolutions usually die. However, with discipline and determination, your New Year's Resolution can stick; here’s how.
1.Make It a Habit
On average, it takes 2 to 3 months to form a new habit. Given that there are both good and bad habits, let's focus on building good ones, which is often the true intention of a New Year's Resolution. Habit formation is all about discipline and routine. When it comes to habits, the saying “it's not about your words but your actions”, rings true. Having the initial desire to be better is a great start, but putting that desire into action is essential. For instance, your New Year's resolution may be to read 12 books this year. This will require you to read at least one book a month and to read consistently throughout the month. To reach this goal, a new habit of reading at some point throughout the day needs to be formed. Maybe you read on your lunch break or before bed every day. After two months, you will notice that reading comes more naturally and is now part of your everyday routine.
How to Form A Habit
Set realistic and achievable goals
Create a schedule or routine to support the goal
Stay as consistent as possible
Remember, something is better than nothing
Pair goal with other healthy motivators
Reward yourself for your efforts
2.Understand Your Why
When you create your list of resolutions, make sure you understand why you want to make these changes or achieve those goals. What about your resolutions will benefit you? Ultimately, your resolutions aim to improve your life in some way. You may aim to eat healthier, start working out, take a course, or travel more. No matter your goal, internal drive or intrinsic motivation is needed to get things done.
Remember, these goals should be personal and something you truly desire. This may seem obvious, but we can easily get caught up in what others want, expect, or are doing. Achieve your New Year's Resolutions for yourself, and prove to yourself that you can be disciplined.
Ways to Develop Intrinsic Motivation:
Research Your Goals
Start Small
Build on Your Interest
Set Milestone For Yourself
Link Small Goals to Your Bigger Life Journey
3.Seek Support and Assistance
Although New Year's Resolutions are personal, no one said you had to achieve them alone. Share your goals with someone who will hold you accountable. Looping others in helps you build community and grow a support system. It can be helpful to find someone who shares similar goals and take them seriously. For instance, if you both share the goal to learn a new language, you can take a course together, study together, or even travel together if you're close friends.
Who to Go to for Support:
Mentors & Coaches
Family & Friends
Colleagues
Social Media Groups
Clubs & Organizations
Get Serious About Your Wellness Journey This Year
Although new, the MykelWellness brand and I are committed to supporting your wellness journey. Next year, I’m excited to continue developing and engaging with this growing community. Continue to enjoy aspirations and weekly blogs, as there is more wellness support to come.
