There is no denying when you raised your glass on December 31st in anticipation of midnight you, like millions of others, were excited to flip the calendar to a new year. 2020 presented itself with challenges like no other and many are not only eager to put it all behind them but make changes in the new year. Perhaps the pandemic has put things into perspective as far as not taking family, friends, or even simply sitting at a coffee shop for granted. Others will focus on their health and getting into shape.
No matter what you choose to focus on in 2021, New Year’s resolutions are not a new concept, in fact, the ancient Babylonians are said to have been the first people to make New Year's resolutions, some 4,000 years ago. Less than 8% of people actually stick to their resolutions each year, according to some estimates, yet millions of Americans continue to set goals with high hopes of a better year ahead. Whether your goal is to exercise more, eat healthier, limit your screen time, hone in on a hobby, or spend more quality time with your family and friends, you can be successful. Here are some tips for keeping those resolutions all year from Very Well.
Choose a Specific Goal:
Instead of selecting an ambiguous goal, focus on something more concrete that you can realistically set your sights on. In other words, choose a very specific, achievable goal.
Limit Your Resolutions
Try to pick just one goal and focus your energies on it rather than spreading yourself too thin among a number of different objectives.
Put Time Into Planning
Don't wait until the last minute to choose your goal. Picking your resolution wisely and putting in extensive planning are essential parts of achieving any goal.
Start With Small Steps
Taking on too much too quickly is a common reason why so many New Year's resolutions fail. Starting an unsustainably restrictive diet, overdoing it at the gym, or radically altering your normal behavior are surefire ways to derail your plans. Instead, focus on taking tiny steps that will ultimately help you reach your larger goal.
Avoid Repeating Past Failures
Another strategy for keeping your New Year's resolution is to not make the exact same resolution year after year. Consider altering your resolution slightly to make it more feasible. By changing your approach, you will be more likely to see real results this year.
Remember That Change Is a Process
Those unhealthy or undesired habits that you are trying to change probably took years to develop, so how can you expect to change them in just a matter of days, weeks, or months? Be patient with yourself. Understand that working toward your resolution is a process.
Keep Working on Your Goals
By March, many people have lost that initial spark of motivation that they had in January. Keep that inspiration alive by continuing to work on your goals, even after facing setbacks.
Change and goals take time but can be obtainable if you keep working on them! Performance Orthopedics, our team is here for you if you have any questions or need advice. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
Sources:
https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-keep-your-new-years-resolutions-2795719
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