New Year, New Resolutions!

Every year millions of people make a list of things they resolve to do as the new year begins. Interesting enough they have developed a list of the top ten most common resolutions that people make every year. Each year a spark of hope for better living rises within us, and we strive for change.

Top 10 Most Common New Year’s Resolutions

1. Exercise more
2. Lose weight
3. Get organized
4. Learn a new skill or hobby
5. Live life to the fullest
6. Save more money/ spend less money
7. Quit smoking
8. Spend more time with friends and family
9. Travel more
10. Read more

Unfortunately, statistics show that after a few months, weeks or even days we give into the life we were already living. The hope slowly fades along with the excitement of the new and we stop making progress in the changes we desire.

When you look up the word resolve in the dictionary, it describes two verbs and a noun. The first meaning says it is to settle or find a solution to a problem, dispute, or contentious matter.

Meaning we have already identified a problem that needs a solution. We want to take action so that we can be our best selves. We have a desire to start the change in our lives immediately. But how? Take time to reflect on the past year. Recall your successes and find areas that need improvement. Seek a solution. When we can picture a successful outcome, we can create a course of action. Synonyms for this meaning are to settle, sort out, solve, find a solution to, fix, straighten out, deal with or put right.

Another definition would be to decide firmly on a course of action. Synonyms for this definition are to determine, decide, or make up one’s mind. If this best describes your state of being Congratulations! You have noticed that something is not working and have already determined a course of action. The only thing left is to decide whether or not you are willing to make the change.

The third definition is a noun. It means to make a firm determination to do something. Operative word: firm. This means you recognize the problem, have an action plan, decided to take action, received confirmation that you’re making the right decision and are determined to make it happen. Synonyms include decision, resolution, and commitment. let no. before I Gno.

I think the new year is the most popular time for resolutions because it seems like the ultimate fresh start. New Year’s Day is a national holiday and so we celebrate big! Unfortunately, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, only 46% of people who made New Year’s resolutions were successful, and those that did not make a New Year’s resolution, but had a goal to achieve that year had a whopping 4% success rate at achieving their goal. 

So with those statistics, we created a Top 5 list to help you make progress this year and be part of the 46 % who can celebrate completing their resolution in 2019!

Top 5 Ways To Reach your Goals

1. Limit The Number Of Resolutions
2. Change Your Mindset
3. Give Yourself Grace
4. Find Support
5. It’s Never Too Late To Start

Limit The Number Of Resolutions

It is better to complete only one task exceptionally well rather than manage ten tasks from falling apart. Think about what worked well last year in your life and what didn’t work at all. What has to change? Think about the one thing that you want the most for yourself and resolve to tackle it during the new year. If your goal is to read 52 books, set a goal to read one book a week. If you want to learn three new languages, aim to study one a year.

Change Your Mindset

Change is never easy. Most people do everything in their power to avoid it altogether. Your advantage is that this time you are the one wanting the change! This gives you the motivation you need to head for your goals ready and running this year. You choose to change. Take time to identify your obstacles, choose to be optimistic, and be prepared for slip-ups, let downs, small wins, and slow but steady success.

Give Yourself Grace

Not everything is going to go right on the first try. Be prepared for bumps in the road. Most resolutions focus on areas that need improvement, and are not considered a success until the end goal is reached, but don’t forget to recognize the progress made and celebrate the small wins. If your goal is to lose 40 pounds this year and within the first four months you lose 12 pounds, celebrate the progress! If you gain back 3 of those pounds during the holidays, be satisfied and continue to press forward towards the goal.

Find Support

First be sure you are ready to support yourself in your new resolution, meaning, your choice to change must be for you and only you. Not because a co-worker talked you into it, or your family says you should. Make yourself and your new goal your priority. For better success be sure to pair up with someone who has a similar passion for the same change. You can keep each other motivated, accountable and you’ll have someone to share all of your success and struggles. Stay clear from the naysayers and doubters, including the words that come out of your mouth. Speak life into your situation and be positive.

It’s Never Too Late To Start

We forget that every month is a new beginning to start over. We forget that Sunday starts a new week of opportunities. We forget that every day is a chance to make changes, and every minute in every hour is a choice to make a difference. If you haven’t made a resolution yet it’s never too late to start.