Trust me, this works! Many of us indulge in the tradition of crafting New Year’s resolutions, grand visions of the better versions of ourselves we aspire to become. Yet, more often than not, these resolutions find themselves abandoned by mid-January, casualties of unrealistic expectations and the gravitational pull of old habits. Would you believe me if I told you that there are secrets to creating resolutions that aren’t destined for the graveyard of good intentions? There are! In this article, I will be sharing some of those secrets. Here are practical ways to create a New Year’s resolution that works.
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Begin by reflecting on the past year. What worked? What didn’t? Understanding the dynamics of your previous resolutions can provide valuable insights into crafting realistic and achievable goals.
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Be Specific and Realistic
Avoid the temptation of vague resolutions. Instead of stating, “I want to get in shape,” specify, “I will jog for 30 minutes, three times a week.” Realistic, concrete goals set the stage for success. These are called SMART goals – specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound.
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Prioritize Your Resolutions
While the temptation to overhaul your entire life may be strong, prioritization is key. Identify the resolutions that matter most to you, allowing you to channel your energy and focus on the areas that align with your values and aspirations. Don’t try to change everything about yourself overnight. That cannot happen!
Large goals can be daunting, and scary. Break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Each small accomplishment will propel you forward, creating a sense of achievement and momentum.
Assign deadlines to your resolutions. Whether it’s a weekly check-in or a monthly review, having a timeline holds you accountable and provides an opportunity to reassess and adjust as needed.
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Share your resolutions with friends or family who can offer encouragement and support. Having a support system creates a sense of accountability and turns your journey into a shared experience.
Life is unpredictable, and so should be your approach to resolutions. Be open to adapting your goals based on changing circumstances. Flexibility allows for resilience and prevents discouragement in the face of unexpected challenges.
Envision yourself in achieving your resolutions. A visualization is a powerful tool that not only motivates but also reinforces your belief in the attainability of your goals.
Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements along the way. Whether big or small, each milestone is a victory that deserves recognition. Celebrating progress keeps the journey enjoyable and reinforces positive behaviour.
Setbacks are not failures but opportunities to learn and grow. If you stumble on your path, take a moment to understand what went wrong, adjust your approach, and use the experience to propel yourself forward.
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Final Thoughts
As you pen down your New Year’s resolutions, remember that the key lies not only in the destination but in the journey itself. Craft a blueprint that reflects your values, embraces realism, and allows for flexibility. With determination, a dash of optimism, and a well-crafted plan, you’ll find yourself not only setting resolutions but achieving them. Cheers to a new year and a new you!
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This article was first published on 15th December 2023
chidiogo-akaelu
Chidiogo Shalom Akaelu holds a degree in English and Literary Studies, from the University of Nigeria. She is a freelance writer, editor and founder of Loana Press, a budding online publishing outlet.
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