By: Khushi Popat
Happy New Year! Are you somebody who has used the caption, “new year new me” on Instagram? If so, do you apply it to your life? A New Year's resolution is a tradition in which a person resolves to continue good practices, change an undesired trait or behavior, accomplish a personal goal, etc, to improve their life at the start of a new year. While a New Year's resolution is typically supposed to last all year, more often than not, it is long forgotten before the beginning of February. If you have decided to make a resolution this year, but are unsure of how to make them last all year, here are a few tips:
Don't fall into peer pressure
With all the talk around the resolutions, it can be easy to forget to tailor your resolutions to yourself and instead do what everyone else is doing. It is important to remember that the objective of a resolution is to improve yourself as a person and not just do whatever is trending on social media. Put yourself first and focus on doing things you want to do. If you truly want to benefit, choose resolutions that you enjoy doing and contribute to you being a better person. Keep yourself in mind and be the best version of yourself this year!
Make specific resolutions
Generalizing your resolutions will not help you in the long run because you have nothing to measure your success against. Make smaller, specific resolutions to get the best results. For example, if your goal is losing weight, it's better to specify how much weight it is that you want to lose; you will be able to analyze the effort you need to put in and commit to it fully. Setting a specific resolution also keeps you motivated to move forward and focus on your other goals.
Write down your goals
Gain perspective about your goals by writing them down. It allows you to determine whether they are realistic or not. You also become more aware after writing them down, and crossing them off your list feels great. In the early weeks of January, get yourself a journal or reuse an unused diary and write down whatever you wish to achieve in 2022. Keep a check on the progress you have been making, and observe the difference in your determination to fulfill your resolutions this year!
Have a plan
Having a plan is important because it helps you understand the time, energy, and attention you will have to put in to achieve your goals. Make a realistic plan, keeping in mind other commitments you have, the time you are willing to put in, and the dedication needed to achieve the goal. Don't make resolutions that don't fit into your plan because you won’t be able to achieve them. Once you have planned the steps you need to take, stick to it no matter what. Dedication and determination will surely help you accomplish your goals!
Tell people about your resolutions
Some people think that keeping a goal a secret helps to achieve it, however, I believe talking to people about your New Year's resolution can help tremendously. Telling your family and friends about your resolutions will give you somebody to check on you. If you have a friend who has a resolution similar to yours, it would be best to do it with them and track your progress. A buddy system would work wonders because you won’t feel alone and you will have somebody to celebrate with at the end of the year!
Take it slow and steady
Resolutions aren't a race. January isn't the start line, and December isn't the finish line, so stop treating them like they are. Work towards completing your resolutions at a pace that is comfortable for you. Don't compare yourself to everyone else and move slowly towards your goal. Inch by inch, I'm sure you will cover the entire mile and reach your goal. Remember that the slow tortoise beat the fast hare in the race because he was determined.
Use apps that motivate you
In the age of technology, it's best to use it to your benefit. There are a lot of goal-tracking apps that can send you affirmations to keep you going and track your progress. Some apps suggest tips and can be very helpful in your journey. Find an app that suits you best and stick to it this year to get the best results.
Praise yourself when you reach your milestones
We often forget to praise ourselves after achieving something we were working towards for a long time. To accomplish your goals, set tinier milestones. Setting smaller milestones tricks your brain into thinking you are closer to the goal and motivates you to work harder. Humans are constantly looking for praise from others without realizing that we can praise ourselves, too. Positive reinforcement makes you more confident and helps you to believe in yourself. Praise not only helps you finish your goals faster, but it also helps in life and in your overall personality development. Praise yourself. You deserve it!
Don’t give up
Are you worried that you will falter and be unable to keep up with your resolutions? If you do, understand that it is okay; what matters is how you pick yourself up and continue with your resolutions. If you resolve to go to the gym thrice a week and you aren't able to go one week, it's not the end of the world. Rather than giving up on your resolution and beating yourself up over it, continue doing whatever you have committed to and catch up for the missed weeks later. Giving up is easy and convenient, but to achieve goals, you need to work hard. In the end, it’s always worth it!
In 2022, focus on self-growth and improvement. Work on yourself and stick to your resolutions. Resolutions aren't hard to keep up with if you remain dedicated. Follow a routine and your goals will slowly become a part of your daily life. Without realizing it, you will begin enjoying them and they will no longer feel like a task. If you choose to achieve something unconventional, don't worry about what others will say and follow your heart. Do what makes you happy and strive to be the best version of yourself!