Many people enjoy setting new year resolutions at the beginning of a new year. I think this is a wonderful practice. At the end of the year, it is a good idea to quickly review the year that is about to end and reflect on how we want to start the new year. Asking questions such as: What are the most important lessons I don't want to forget? Which aspects of my life I want to continue working on?
Also, it is important to leave room for those new things you want to experience. Maybe you want to try a new sport or add a new activity to your daily routine. Or perhaps you need to improve relationships, be more compassionate or more tolerant. With time, I have learned that setting new year resolutions (or setting goals at any point in life) have a lot of benefits.
Benefits of setting resolutions:
Self-improvement: Resolutions act as a roadmap for personal growth, encouraging you to learn, improve, and develop new skills.
Focus and Direction: Setting goals provides a sense of purpose and direction, helping you stay motivated and focused on your aspirations.
Increased Confidence: Achieving resolutions boosts your self-esteem and confidence, empowering you to tackle new challenges.
Enhanced Well-being: By focusing on your personal goals, you can live a more satisfying life.
Setting resolutions help you improve, learn, and grow. But, how many times those resolutions stay on paper or buried in your mind to be later dusted off when the year ends?
Many resolutions are not completed because they are not realistic. For example, if you write as a resolution to run your first marathon but you know you don't like exercising or haven't found an activity that you enjoy. As much as you would like to run a marathon, it is not realistic that you will go from zero exercise in your life to running a marathon in 12 months. It can happen, but it is not very realistic. Some people might be able to do it, but it takes honesty, time, and a good plan to reach the goal.
Tips for setting realistic resolutions:
Honesty and Self-Reflection: Be honest about your limitations and capabilities. Ask yourself how much time you are willing to invest, how important the goal is to you, and how your life will change if you achieve it.
Realistic Expectations: Set achievable goals that align with your interests and lifestyle. Avoid setting overly ambitious targets that are likely to lead to disappointment. Also avoid setting goals just to please others.
Flexibility and Adjustment: Life is unpredictable, so be prepared to adjust your resolutions as needed. It's okay to modify your goals based on changing circumstances. Break big goals in small pieces that are easier to achieve.
It doesn't matter how big or small is the step you take when working on your goals as long as you take a step forward. If you take a step forward, you are closer to reaching your goal. If you take a step back (which is sometimes necessary), work on taking two steps forward next.
Some extra tips for when you set your resolutions:
Write them down and have them visible: Don't lock them in a drawer or most likely you will forget about them. Display them where you can see them.
Visualize: Every time you read your resolutions, visualize yourself successfully achieving them and add the feeling associated with them.
I invite you to take some time to write down some resolutions or review the ones you have already set. We all have something to improve. The time is now.
How do your resolutions look for 2025?