How are your New Year’s resolutions so far? Are you still going strong?
I didn’t have a good start.
I made a mistake.
Other things in my life are distracting me.
“Every year more than 50% of people make New Year’s resolutions to lose weight, quit smoking, work out, save money, get a promotion, get a raise, and more. And yet, virtually every study tells us that around 80% of New Year’s resolutions will get abandoned around this month. In fact, one study found that gym sales dropped precipitously from January to February.” (Forbes)
If you feel like you’re losing momentum or if you’ve already stopped, don’t worry. You can definitely get back on track.
Here are four simple tips to recharge your New Year momentum.
1. Restart the year.
Every day is the beginning of a “new year.” If today is January 13, 2022, it marks the start of a year that will end on January 12, 2023.
This change in perspective can help you regain momentum. Of course, don’t misuse it. Just because you can start the “new year” every day, it doesn’t mean you can just keep restarting.
Stop blaming the calendar for failed resolutions. The change in dates and months isn’t really a reason to stop. You can start any day, any time.
2. Work around limitations.
Let’s say you’ve religiously been going to the gym since January first. But, you suddenly had to stop because of lockdowns or budget constraints.
What stops you from working out at home? There are many free programs online you can do even without any equipment.
There are simple ways to overcome obstacles. The key is to not overthink things. Open your eyes to solutions that are already in your life.
3. Find the WHY.
What is the WHY behind your resolution? Why are you doing it? Why is it important to you?
“Losing weight” has been on my New Year’s resolution list for already a decade, but nothing is happening!
You might have been dragging the same resolution for years because your WHY isn’t meaningful enough for you. Surpass the shallow WHYs. Find the deeper motivating force behind your actions.
4. Go beyond yourself.
If accomplishing your resolutions mean changing your life as well as the lives of others, this can serve as a strong internal push for you. This can also mean that you can depend on a support system of people who will help you to achieve your goals.
Come up with resolutions that are not just about yourself. Make the New Year about giving to others as well.
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Good luck and keep going strong towards your resolutions! Have an extended Happy New Year!
