It’s the first week in January, and you’ve already broken your New Year’s resolution—we’ve all been there. But what hurts more than breaking your resolution is the guilt that sets in afterward. Sticking to your resolution for a few days or weeks is possible, but often, the goals we set aren’t attainable or realistic for long periods.
After we break the streak of going to the gym or passing on dessert, we’re right back to where we started. But this time, we’re a little more deflated and discouraged.
Why are New Year’s resolutions not always great?
First, it’s foolish to wait until the New Year to make much-needed changes. Even though it’s a brand new year, basically everything else in your life remains the same. If there’s something you want to work on or work towards, start as soon as it comes to mind, and don’t wait until January 1st. It is not a great idea to tie your behavioral goals to a specific date, and with New Year’s resolutions, we often don’t allow ourselves to fail and start again. Once we break the resolution, it’s usually over.
Even though the New Year feels as if you’re starting a new chapter in a book, making significant changes immediately is unrealistic. Slow and steady habit changes are more effective and suitable for the long term. While slow and sexy don’t seem quite as sexy, there’s a much greater chance of success.
Also, setting completely unattainable goals is another reason people are constantly burned by their resolutions. Cutting out sugary sweets for the foreseeable future will never happen, so if you insist on making a resolution, take the time to make a realistic one. For example, try limiting yourself to dessert twice a week instead of the usual seven times.
Because we often take on resolutions that require too much effort, we fail to meet our goals, which leads to extreme disappointment. From there, it is easy to spiral into a dark place filled with self-doubt, discouragement, and negative thoughts.
Better yourself without impossible resolutions
Setting more achievable goals that can be measured throughout the year will improve your mental health and well-being. This way, you can celebrate your minor accomplishments and build momentum toward your larger goals.
Instead of tackling a near-impossible resolution, consider some of these more attainable resolutions that will improve your professional and personal life:
- Give one compliment a day to yourself or someone else.
- Put your phone away when you’re with family or friends.
- Do one thing a day that intimidates or scares you.
- Go somewhere you’ve never been once a week.
- Walk on your lunch break three times a week.
- Start making your coffee at home instead of buying expensive lattes. Spend the money that you save on a local getaway.
- Find a new hobby.
Lasting, true change starts on the inside. Being kinder to yourself, opening yourself up to new opportunities, and taking a positive mindset will serve you better than any impractical New Year’s Resolution.
Start 2023 off bettering yourself personally or professionally with the support of a sisterhood of successful, like-minded women. Save your spot now for the Girls L.E.A.P. event in February 2023 and The Becoming Truly You Experience in March 2023. Space is limited, so get in now while you still can!
