We’re into December and that means two things – Christmas music is playing EVERYWHERE, and also New Year is almost upon us. For most people, the New Year’s period is simply a good opportunity to go out, have fun, and probably not remember much the next morning, and for others, it’s all a bit of an anti-climax. This New Year, why not make a vow to yourself to change your routine up a little, and perhaps make some resolutions you have a chance of actually keeping?
We’ve all done it, vowed to go to the gym more, vowed to eat five a day (or however many it is now), or vowed that this will be our year. By the second week of January, it’s all gone south and we’re back to where we were on December 30th. The reason? Because we get so swept up in the ‘let’s make a change’ fever around New Year, that we make completely unachievable resolutions. If you don’t go to the gym at all now, why are you suddenly going to go four times a week just because the calendar page has turned over? You’re not. It’s that simple.
So, this year, vow to make some resolutions you can keep, and ones which will actually change your life in small ways, for the better.
Vow to be More Productive
We could all do with more hours in a day, but being more productive can actually give you that in a round-about way. Instead of making completely unachievable aims, make manageable ones. Instead of procrastinating, get off your backside and get something done! Cut large tasks down into smaller, bite-sized chunks, and watch how quickly you make progress. Seriously, download an app and tick things off as you do them. The small thrill you’ll get will make you want to carry on.
Vow to Make Changes When You Feel You Need to Make Them
There’s so much pressure on the month of January, but it’s actually one of the most depressing months of the year! Instead, vow that you will make changes throughout the year, when you feel you need to make them. This guarantees progress, and don’t limit it to just one month. Voicing a commitment to being proactive is really all you need.
Vow to be Kinder to Yourself
We’re kind to other people, but are we kind to ourselves? No! Make it your New Year’s aim to cut out the self-deprecating talk, cut down on comparing yourself to others, and be kinder to yourself overall. Write a list of all your great points, both appearance-wise and personality-wise, and keep it in your bag, or your pocket. When you feel a confidence wobble coming on, read it and focus on the words. Feeling great in your own skin is the best gift you can give yourself.
Vow to do One Completely New Thing Every Month
Every single month, sit down and think of one new experience or task you have never done before, but that you’re going to try in the coming four or five weeks, and then do it! If you want to go bungee jumping, go for it, but it doesn’t have to be something quite so drastic. How about trying a new dish you’ve always fancied? Or, teaching yourself to cook a different meal. With every achievement, you’ll feel a boost of confidence.
Vow to Make Progress
The problem with regular resolutions is that they are so rigid. ‘I will learn to drive’. Okay, great, but you’re putting a lot of pressure on yourself. How about vowing that you’ll make progress in your aims, and even if you don’t achieve them to the end, you’ll make headway at the very least. This is less of a pressure-cooker situation, and you’re more likely to achieve it as a result.
On the stroke of midnight, simply make a resolution to be better. Surely, that’s enough?
