A few years ago, I finally realised that it was pointless doing New Year’s Resolutions. I don’t enjoy the end of the year and the start of a new one at the best of times, I’m just not that person. So, throwing in the added pressure to be ‘New Year, New Me’ was always, well, just too stressful. Once I realised this, I made sure to always ease myself back into the outside world in January. For me, being self-employed, I am fortunate that I can set when I work. I don’t schedule any major work for that first week straight after New Year. I’m usually helping the kids get settled back into their routine, which is also part of mine. I allow myself to adjust slowly, by catching up with admin, contacting clients and sorting what I need to get everything back up to speed again. And you know what? It works for me. The person I am today, writing this blog, is completely different to the person I was 4/5 days ago.
Whether you are also self-employed or have a more rigid work schedule, you can still ease yourself back in by finding what works for you. Firstly, let’s look at seven reasons why it might be a good idea not to make New Year’s resolutions:
1. They can be unrealistic: Many people set unrealistic goals for themselves when making New Year’s resolutions, which can set them up for disappointment and failure.
2. They can be too broad: Vague goals such as “lose weight” or “get in shape” are difficult to measure and can be demotivating if progress is not made quickly.
3. They can be too much pressure: Making resolutions can add unnecessary pressure to your life, and if you don’t follow through, it can be disheartening.
4. They can be inflexible: Life doesn’t always go according to plan, and rigid resolutions can be hard to stick to if your circumstances change.
5. They can be too focused on the end result: Focusing too much on the end result can be demoralizing if you don’t see progress quickly, and can take the joy out of the journey.
6. They can be based on external expectations: Sometimes, people make resolutions based on what they think they should do, rather than what they truly want to do, which can be demotivating.
7. They can be based on negative self-perception: Resolutions often focus on fixing perceived flaws or weaknesses, which can be harmful to self-esteem.
Remember, it’s okay to set goals for yourself, but it’s important to be kind to yourself and remember that progress takes time. Instead of making resolutions, you might consider setting small, achievable goals or focusing on self-care and self-compassion.
Here are a few ideas for small, achievable goals that you might consider setting:
1. Start a daily meditation or mindfulness practice
2. Take a walk outside every day
3. Incorporate more vegetables into your diet
4. Read one book per month
5. Volunteer your time or talents to a worthy cause
6. Practice gratitude by writing down three things you’re thankful for every day
7. Learn a new skill or hobby
8. Get enough sleep by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day
9. Cut out one unhealthy habit, such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption
10. Practice self-care by doing something you enjoy every day
Remember, the key is to choose goals that are realistic and achievable for you. It’s important to celebrate your small victories along the way, and be kind to yourself if you don’t achieve your goals as quickly as you’d like. The journey is just as important as the destination.
I will be practising Pilates more, for myself. I absolutely love teaching it but I need to remember why I fell in love with it in the first place. More on that in a blog post to come.
