Did you know that on average, only 8% of people actually keep their New Year’s resolutions? Each and every January we make pie-in-the-sky goals for the new year ahead. Only to give up come February. This is why the best month to join a gym is February… when it’s empty. Why then, do we continue to ride the crazy merry-go-round of pointless New Year’s resolutions? Is it possible to break free of this all-or-nothing mentality when it comes to our goals for the New Year? I think so. Here are some thoughtful New Year’s resolution ideas for 2020 that you can actually keep.
The most popular New Year’s resolutions people make (and then break) are:
Lose Weight
Get in Shape
Stop Smoking
Quit Drinking Alcohol
Eat Healthier
Get Out of Debt
Get Organized
Sound familiar? We’ve all made/quit at least one of these resolutions in the past.
I have nothing against New Year’s resolutions, goal-setting, and self-imposed deadlines. Setting goals and deadlines can help keep us focused and active. Unfortunately, it’s far too easy to get caught up in the excitement of New Year’s and go overboard by setting grandiose unrealistic goals for yourself.
Since I began simplifying my life, I’ve discovered that I do not buy many of the things I once thought were essential. A welcome side-effect of simplifying my life has been that I have also been able to simplify my shopping list! Here’s a list of 40 things I no longer buy to both save money and simplify my life.
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I do, however, believe that when it comes to New Year’s resolutions, we’ve been going about it all wrong. Here’s why.
Our goals are often unrealistic (therefore impossible to attain)
We set too many goals for ourselves all at once (instead of focusing on one at a time)
We attempt to go “cold turkey” on our old habits
Often, we fail to realize that new habits take time to develop (at least 66 consecutive days to be exact)
We view January 1st as our only start date instead of realizing that every single day offers us a new beginning
1.) Start Small (like really, REALLY small)
Instead of vowing to lose 50 pounds by year’s end, commit to being more active today than you were yesterday. Depending on your level of fitness, this will look different for everyone. For example, if going from the couch to the bathroom during commercial breaks is the most exercise you normally get in a day (speaking from experience, here), start with a walk around the block.
The next day, you can add another few steps to your walk or do a few sit-ups. The goal here is to build up a new habit little by little until it becomes second nature.
Also, try to focus on one new habit at a time. After all,
You can do anything, but not everything. -David Allen
2.) Forgive Yourself
When you experience setbacks (and you will), don’t spend unnecessary energy dwelling on them. Beating yourself up for your perceived failures will not help you succeed.
Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and get back on the proverbial horse. If it helps, you can even say “I forgive you” out loud to yourself.
Why commit to a now-or-never list of New Year’s resolutions? When each day offers a new beginning. -Uncluttered Simplicity
3.) Be Consistent
As I said, a new habit can take upwards of 60 consecutive days to cultivate. Thankfully, there’s room for error in this statistic. Missing a day or two here and there isn’t likely to throw off your mojo.
Think about it though. How many times have you started an exercise program only to stop (for whatever reason)? When you try to pick it up again, doesn’t it seem like it’s 10 times more difficult the second time around?
That’s why, when you’re trying to form a new habit, it pays to be consistent.
4.) Celebrate Small Wins
When you complete that first walk around the block, then be sure to give yourself a high-five. The next time you do it, you can reward yourself with a candle-lit bubble bath. After ten walks around the block treat yourself to a new pair of walking shoes.
Just be sure you keep your rewards/praise in line with the accomplishment. For example, don’t reward yourself with a twinkie if your goal is to get in shape!
5.) Remember Your Reasons
When resolving to make a change for the better, it’s important for you to remember your “why”. If your goal, for example, is to lose weight, your list of “whys” may look something like this:
To look awesome in that little black dress
Have more energy to spend with your loved ones
To reduce medications/resolve health issues
6.) Start Over (each and every day)
Rather than viewing resolutions as a yearly occurrence, imagine each day is January 1st. Let each day be a new beginning towards the lighter, cleaner, more organized life you imagine yourself living.
And remember…
“It’s a wise man who understands that every day is a new beginning, because boy, how many mistakes do you make in a day? I don’t know about you, but I make plenty. You can’t turn the clock back, so you have to look ahead.” —Mel Gibson
And hey, if Mel Gibson said it, then it must be true!
Are you ready to crush 2020 one day at a time? You got this!
- Uncluttered Simplicity
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