Learn a new language? Checked. Start exercising? Checked. Stop smoking? Checked. Spend more time with loved ones? Checked.
We’ve all been there and done that – we draw up a long list of New Year’s resolutions but end up breaking them in weeks, days or even hours into the new year. Many of us may have even given up making New Year’s resolutions over the many years of attempts and failures!
So how can you make sure you keep to your grand plan of becoming a better version of yourself come 2018? Here are several tips and advice to help you do just that:
1. Keep it Simple: Trying to overhaul your entire lifestyle might sound like a good idea, but it is in fact, a recipe for disappointment. Our advice is to take baby steps. Focus on a few important goals to make them work.
2. The Ones that Matter Most: Improving yourself takes time. Look at your list and focus on those that will give you the greatest happiness when achieved. Perhaps you haven’t spent enough time with your family as you were swamped with work throughout 2017. If you think that will make you the happiest, pick it.
3. Talk About It: When trying to achieve your New Year’s resolutions, social and family support is crucial. We understand that it can be hard to be vulnerable and share something that you might actually fail at, but to increase your chances of success, you will need the support of those around you. Appoint a close friend or confidant who can keep you in check and motivated when you’re about to give up.
4. Put yourself in charge: Remember that these achievements are under your control. People around you can advise and support you, but you need to change your actions to see the results. Be in control and stick to your plans. Take responsibility for your future.
5. Don’t be Hard on Yourself: Nobody is perfect, so don’t beat yourself up when you trip along the way. These things are completely normal. Don’t give up when you happen to skip the gym, break your diet or light a cigarette after not puffing for the entire week. Recover from your mistakes and get back on track!
Here’s wishing you the best for 2018, and may all your resolutions come true for a better you!