New year, new beginnings. Have you made your New Year’s Resolution(s) yet? Chances are, you have already thought of a resolution or two for 2023. Maybe you are trying to improve your life, accomplish a goal, or advance in your career. Or perhaps you didn’t make any resolutions for fear of abandoning them after a few weeks of trying. Regardless of the intention, we are here to inspire and motivate you to not only set your goals and intentions for the new year but help you stick to them!
What are some good New Year’s Resolutions?
New Year’s resolutions are made with the intent of bettering oneself or one’s life in some area. Many common resolutions include:
- Be more intentional with your time.
- Become better listeners for their loved ones.
- Contribute to a philanthropic cause.
- Explore your city and the world around you.
All of these are admirable resolutions but don’t forget to include some self-care rituals in your 2023 goals. Most resolutions require a lifestyle change, which is why it is so important that your New Year’s Resolutions be beneficial to yourself and others. Think in terms of bettering yourself and your career, as well as giving back to those around you with resolutions like these:
- Exercise/lose weight.
- Reduce stress.
- Strive for a promotion.
- Save money.
- Learn a skill.
- Take up a hobby.
Why do people quit their New Year’s Resolutions?
It is hard enough to maintain motivation throughout the year just to accomplish everyday tasks like laundry or chores. Often, the added challenge of conforming to a lofty goal that does not fit your life can add stress. To keep your resolutions, find ways to adjust your lifestyle at a moderate pace and start by implementing small changes. This helps you avoid feeling overwhelmed by many changes at once.
For example: if you want to exercise more, become more active in your everyday activities. Park a little further from the grocery store entrance or find activities you enjoy, like exploring a park and doing those regularly. Don’t just start lifting weights and running because everyone else is doing that. Not only will you not enjoy yourself, but you will run the risk of feeling burnt out quicker and abandoning your resolutions.
Similarly, if you want to lose weight, eat a more balanced diet. Decide what gradual changes you can make to your diet, and start by trying those. You could try introducing a few new healthy dishes each week, buying fewer sugary drinks and snacks, and increasing the amount of water you drink each day. This way, you won’t dramatically change your grocery list, spending habits, or time spent cooking.
Maybe your resolution is to improve your finances. Cutting out every “non-essential” expense from your budget might increase how much money you can save each month, but you are not truly improving your life if you no longer do any of the things you enjoy. Instead, try budgeting a limited amount of funds for “non-essential” expenses like buying new clothes, going out, etc. Over time, you could cut back on how much you set aside for such activities, but it won’t feel like a punishment to progress gradually.
How to keep your New Year’s Resolutions.
Keeping up with your resolutions can still be difficult, but don’t let that scare you or prevent you from trying. You can and will accomplish your 2023 goals with the right mentality and determination!
We have compiled a list of ways to increase your chances of making your resolutions stick.
1. Outline your plan. Adding structure to your resolution makes your goals more attainable. Small steps can equal big changes without being overwhelmed. Make a vision board, list, or visual interpretation and display it somewhere so that you see it regularly and can use it as a daily reminder to stick to your resolutions.
2. Track your progress. This is a great way to remind yourself just how far you have come. If you begin to feel as though your progress has stalled, look at where you started. Keeping your tracker on display and the outline of your plan can help keep your perspective in check and encourage you to stick with your resolutions. The constant reminder of your progress is a great motivator.
3. Be patient. This can be particularly difficult after the initial glow of working towards new goals begins to fade. When you start to lose momentum, you must remember just how far you have come since you began. Gain perspective and motivate yourself by referring to your outline and progress tracker and then give yourself permission to try again.
4. Keep trying. One of the hardest parts about keeping up with New Year’s resolutions is getting back on track after straying from your goals. It is much easier to feel as though all hope is lost and abandon your resolutions. Progress is rarely perfect. As long as you keep trying, you will continue to move closer to your goals than if you do nothing at all.
5. Reward yourself. It is so important for your morale to celebrate the little victories you accomplish. Don’t go overboard, but take the time to be proud of yourself and recognize the improvements that you are making in your life.
So, are you ready to set and keep your New Year’s Resolutions? We are cheering you on. Here is to your successful new endeavors in 2023!