New year, new you? Well, I don’t know how possible that is, but if you believe it, then that shit ain’t just going to happen overnight. When they reinvent people in movies after that big lifechanging event, they totally skim over the reality of how fucking hard it is. Wouldn’t it be great if we could all just cue the montage?
Some studies have shown that less than a quarter of New Years Resolutions (NYRs) are kept, and I too have fallen foul of that same ritual. You know the one. Let me refresh your memory: first week of the year you give yourself a break then start hitting the gym HARD, or hide all the alcohol… and for 10 days or so (if you’re motivated) you are on fire… then it starts tapering off until you just do not have time for that shit in your life again.
So here are a few tips to make it to February and beyond:
FIND your WHY
In my opinion, the main reason why we don’t stick to NYRs is that we feel obligated, not dedicated. We think that we should lose weight, quit drinking, or stop smoking etc, but we don’t really want to. So my first tip to sticking to NYRs is pick something that you really TRULY want to achieve. How do you do that? Ask yourself WHY. Finding your why is the key to mastering and achieving it. Dig deep. You really need to connect with that reason, because if you do, you are more likely to make the commitment to stick to it.
Make is ACHIEVABLE
Heard of SMART goals? Those rules should apply to your NYRs as well. Give yourself every opportunity to succeed. Trying to lose huge amounts of weight in a small amount of time for example is just asking for trouble, and I can guarantee it will lead to you sobbing on the couch with a tub of ice cream, a packet of Doritos and a box of cookies before you can say “weightwatchers”. Start with 1KG… just one. When you achieve that, and it will be WHEN not if… you can re-evaluate your goal.
Make a CONTRACT
If you want to succeed, you need to make a contract.. with yourself. Write it down. Put it somewhere prominent where you can see it every day. Whether that is a simple note on your mirror, or a picture that instills your desired achievement. You also need to tell someone about it. In fact, the more people you tell, the more likely you are to stick to it. Call it peer pressure, or call it moral support. Whatever it is for you, it will keep you accountable.
Make it POSITIVE
Most NYRs involve some form of deprivation: giving up drinking, going on a diet, stop smoking, etc.
Whilst giving up bad habits is a good thing generally, usually healthwise, it becomes really challenging to people because they don't replace it with something else, something more positive. If you are "giving up" something, replace it with something else. For example, if your NYR is to stop snacking at night time, why not replace it with a walk around the block instead? Replace your smoking habit with a 5 minute breathing meditation.
Celebrate WINS
Make sure you reward yourself when you succeed, no matter how small. You actually made it through the first day? Well done! Pat yourself on the back. Reward yourself. Made it to day 2? Whoo hoo – that’s another reason to celebrate. Are you getting the picture?
Conversely, if you forgot a day or two, it's important not to beat yourself up. Just reset the clock, then celebrate the fact that despite that little hurdle you are back on track!
What will your NYR be? Don’t forget to let us know how you go with yours. We are running a challenge in our CBF Tribe Facebook Group. Come and join us so we can help you celebrate your wins and cheer you on.
