New Year’s resolutions can be a wonderful opportunity to start fresh, take on a new challenge, and embark on an exciting journey toward change. There is a year-long blank slate ahead of us and we get to choose how we are going to fill it all in. One year from now, another year will have passed whether we honor our commitments to ourselves or not. So let’s make the most of the next fifty-two weeks by pursuing our hopes and dreams and best selves, together.
I believe we each have the power to change the world. But even if you aren’t ready to fully embrace that ambitious concept just yet, know this: we each have the power to change ourselves. One day at a time… one choice at a time… we can absolutely nurture and nourish our minds, bodies, and spirits. It is not only possible. It is easier than we think.
The key is actually sticking to the New Year’s resolutions we set for ourselves. To help make it happen, I want to share 7 steps for success. But before we can turn our words into actions, we need to put our desires down in words.
Set Meaningful Goals
Think about what you really want for yourself. Dig deep and really think about what your heart yearns for and what contentment would look like. Perhaps it’s to establish some new good habits to replace some old bad ones. Maybe it’s to have more energy to enjoy your family, friends, and free time. It might even be just to feel more comfortable in your own body. Whatever it is, once you have a clear sense of what will bring you joy, you can begin to map a path to reach it.
Ask For Support
Sometimes, we don’t want to share our goals with other people because we are afraid of judgment. But in reality, we are actually depriving ourselves of their encouragement and support. Our friends and family want us to succeed. And it’s easier to carve out some “me time,” ensure there are healthy eating options, or find a quiet space to meditate, if our loved ones know we need it. Many of the obstacles we encounter are simply the result of no one realizing we need help clearing the path.
Do It Together
An accountability partner is also a great way to stay motivated because we have someone who is counting on us to show up… and they do, too. My hope is that you end up in a place where you are as committed to yourself as you are to other people. But in the meantime, you can leverage your generosity of spirit to support someone else and help yourself at the same time. That mutual accountability and support is what I cherish about the BB Body community we have built together. I know for sure that I get as much inspiration and motivation from all of you as I give.
Prep For Success
Once you have figured out what you want and what you need to do to reach your goals, the best way to stay on track is to prepare in advance. If you want to meditate or exercise for 10 minutes each day, pick a time, and plan around it. If you want to swap in some better eating habits, stock up on healthy choices, and prep them for the week ahead. Visualize your new behavior and then set your space up so that it is ready for you. Think hydration, mood music, candles or incense, a plush hand towel, etc. Sticking to your New Year’s resolutions is a lot easier if you make it convenient.
Prioritize Self-Care
If we think about all the things we do in a day, it seems like it would be impossible. We juggle the demands of partners, kids, parents, pets, bosses, employees, errands, shopping, cooking, cleaning, bills, and more into infinity. Yet, somehow, we manage to make it all work. What I would like you to consider is setting aside 10 to 20 minutes each day for yourself. But instead of trying to squeeze it in between everything else, do it first. Not only will you eliminate the risk of deferring your needs when unexpected things inevitably pop up, you’ll also be surprised at how you still manage to get everything done without sacrificing your own needs in the process.
Keep Going
Positive change is possible! But success builds on success. Keep your commitment for a day. Then another. It takes three weeks for a new habit to fully take hold. If you struggle or slip up, start again. It will absolutely get easier over time. The goal is not perfection. It’s progress. Offramps and detours may add time but they don’t change the ultimate destination. Literally, the only way you can fail is if you stop trying. So keep moving forward.
Be Kind To Yourself
Be patient. Embrace imperfection. Show yourself some compassion. Know that you are strong and capable and beautiful and worthy and loved.