We all love starting the year with our New Year’s Resolutions. The holidays bring expectation, hope, and gratitude. But when we realize we’re not sticking to our resolutions, everything seems to fall apart. I know, I’ve been there. And I know some of you also feel tired or disappointed when you can’t make your New Year’s Resolutions work. But there’s a way… There’s always a way!
So… How can we make our New Year’s resolutions work? Here are some tips to help you achieve your goals 🎄💫
1. Set Intentions, Not Just New Year’s Resolutions
Goals can sometimes be rigid and hard to maintain. For example, a few months ago, I set a goal of reaching 10,000 steps a day. However, it became hard to sustain with work, routines, and social life. Instead, I decided to simply walk more and improve my average step count compared to last year. Guess what? I’m already achieving it!
Focusing on intentions brings you back to your purpose — your Ikigai. As the authors Héctor García and Francesc Miralles say: “Stay active; don’t retire.” Intentions help you remember the why behind your resolutions. Life’s challenges may make you forget your goals, but your intention keeps you moving forward.
This year, when writing your New Year’s Resolutions, consider your intention. For example:
- Instead of saying, “I will exercise,” you can say, “I want to incorporate movement into my life to feel healthier.”
- Instead of saying, “I will meditate every morning,” you can say, “I want to experience moments of connection with myself to know myself better.”
2. Break Down Your New Year’s Resolutions into Manageable Steps
Make a list! Breaking down your New Year’s Resolutions into specific steps makes them feel more achievable. Lofty goals can seem intimidating, but smaller steps help you move forward little by little.
After identifying your intentions, jot them down as a checklist. There’s immense satisfaction in ticking off each step — it’s a visual reminder of your progress. Ask yourself these questions to create your list:
- When can you realistically start?
- How much time can you dedicate to this activity?
- How often will you do this activity (weekly or monthly)?
- What’s the first step you need to take?
3. Make Your Resolutions Personal and Meaningful
Resolutions should be for you — not anyone else. Forget about what you “should” do or what others expect of you. Focus on what you really need. The more authentic your resolutions, the easier they’ll be to achieve.
You know yourself best. Reflect on what you need right now:
- What is your purpose?
- What path do you want to follow?
- What fulfills you?
- Do you need to slow down, or are you ready to speed up?
Remember, your goals are unique to you. Don’t compare them to others’ goals — everyone has their own pace and priorities.
4. Embrace Progress Over Perfection
Thinking you’ve failed because you didn’t get it right the first time is a mistake. The journey toward your goals is long and will come with obstacles — financial, personal, and emotional. The path may be uphill, but that’s where progress is most valuable.
Just starting is already a huge step. Instead of criticizing yourself for not being perfect, celebrate how far you’ve come. The world often praises only success, but progress deserves appreciation too.
You’ve made it this far because you are strong, resilient, and empowered. Applaud yourself and give thanks!
5. Create a Supportive Environment
Surround yourself with people, tools, and environments that support your goals. Having company along the journey makes it easier ✨. Don’t create unnecessary obstacles by staying in unsupportive environments. Enjoy the process! We always talk about the importance of community. Well, community is essential when creating new habits or routines.
This might mean:
- Spending time with people who share your values and encourage your resolutions.
- Using technology to your advantage: apps, reminders, and planners can help you stay organized.
- Joining groups or communities that are on a similar path.
6. Reflect and Adjust Your New Year’s Resolutions
Your New Year’s Resolutions aren’t set in stone. You can always revise them. Reflecting on your progress helps you evaluate what’s working and what isn’t. Life changes and your goals can change too.
Ask yourself:
- How am I doing with my resolutions?
- Do they still excite and fulfill me?
- Do I need to make any adjustments?
- What’s challenging me the most, and why?
Remember, your resolutions are yours alone. The path to well-being is written in pencil so you can erase and redraw it as needed.
7. Prioritize Self-Compassion with Your New Year’s Resolutions
How you treat yourself shapes your well-being. If you don’t value yourself, who will? Prioritize self-compassion and appreciate yourself for who you are with your New Year’s Resolutions. Embrace your flaws and celebrate your progress. Positive self-talk is really important, click here to learn why. Let go of self-criticism and speak to yourself kindly:
- “I’m doing the best I can.”
- “It’s okay to start again.”
- “I’m proud of my effort.”
Ask yourself: Do you hug yourself? If not, maybe it’s time to start.
As Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy (SARK) says: “Self-hugging raises up all the “feel good” hormones: endorphins, oxytocin, and serotonin. I start most days with self-hugging, and get out of bed feeling like 10 good friends have hugged me. In this way, I often am able to live like a full cup of self-love, sharing my overflow with the world. And when I don’t feel that way, self-hugging helps me fill myself back up.”
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8. Celebrate Small Wins
Celebrate every achievement! Go out for a meal, toast with friends, or treat yourself to a small gift. Whether it’s been a week, a month, or just a small habit change, recognize your strength and effort — you deserve it, girl!
Check in over the next few months and see how you’re progressing with your New Year’s resolutions. No matter how small the achievement, remember: you chose this change for a reason. Celebrating small wins boosts your motivation and nurtures your self-love.
If you’ve come this far, congratulations! I’m sure you’ll do an amazing job with your New Year’s resolutions. 🥳
Happy Holidays!
