It’s that time of year. The time of year when we have overeaten, over indulged, and missed barre class one too many times. And now the New Year is upon us, and we need to get our act together!
Set Yourself Up for Success
How many times have you set out to do something in the new year, only to fall off the proverbial wagon within a couple weeks? Did you know it takes a consistent 21 days to create a new habit that you will most likely stick to? 30 if you want to make it solid. Yet so many of us tend to give up within 14 days. Knowing this, start picking your “resolutions” (or, as I like to call them, intentions) based on something you believe you can stick to for 21-30 days. Doing this will better set you up for success.
Next step: set tangible goals. “I’m going to eat better” or “I’m going to work out more” are not tangible. But, I’m going to eliminate soda or white carbs is. I’m going to run three mornings a week is, too. Also, don’t be afraid to dig deep. Bettering ourselves does not need to only be in the areas of eating better and working out although we all tend to need improvement in these areas. Try new things like joining a new mom group, committing to reading one self-improvement book a month, or even cleaning out one dresser, closet, or cupboard a week. The possibilities are endless.
Pick Two or Three Goals
To truly grasp resolutions (or, intentions) that you can actually live with, dig deep. Start making a list of the things in your life, or things about you, that you wish you could improve or change. Once you have your list, decide which items are most important or most doable in your current season of life. Pick two or three…that’s it. Here are some tangible ideas:
- Go to the gym four days per week (put the day and time on your calendar)
- Read one self-help/improvement book per month
- Eliminate white bread and rice from diet
- Eliminate soda from diet
- Go to bed by 10:30 p.m. every night
- Join a playdate group and commit to two meetings per month
Keep Your Commitment
One of the worst things we can do is break a commitment to ourselves. When you pick a couple of your resolutions as you ring in the New Year, make the decision to keep that promise to yourself. Don’t make excuses to yourself. Keeping these promises and striving for a better you will only make you feel better about your accomplishments. In turn, you will find that you are a better mom, wife, friend, employee, daughter, etc. You are worth the effort.
