New Year. It makes us want to begin again. To start over. We resolve to be better. We may even make resolutions, swearing off what we consider to be “bad” habits, and embracing new, healthier choices.
While wanting to make healthier lifestyle choices is noble and important, I encourage you to leave your resolutions behind.
Why? Because most of the time, resolutions don’t work. They can make us feel overwhelmed and stressed. In essence, they have the exact opposite effect on us than we had hoped.
In addition, resolutions can serve as a reminder of all those things in life we feel we are doing wrong. We wouldn’t resolve to be different or better if we were perfectly content, right?
So, what can we do instead of making resolutions?
First, accept that you are pretty wonderful just as you are.
Sure, we all wish we could do better in certain circumstances, but most of the time we strive to be good parents, spouses, partners, employees, citizens, and all-around okay humans. Most of the time, we’re really trying.
Next, release your resolutions and consider starting your new year with clear, specific goals instead.
Looking at new year goals rather than resolutions requires a simple shift in your thinking that can lead to big changes.
She’s also SMART certified – which means she’s qualified to remove mercury fillings (aka amalgam fillings) in the safest possible manner – a risky endeavor – which ultimately reduces your exposure to heavy metal toxicity, and can potentially put an end to unexplained symptoms.
Why?
Resolutions tend to be grand, sweeping generalizations. “This new year, I resolve to be healthier.”
When we make generalized resolutions like this, two things happen:
- We feel bad about ourselves. Resolving to be “healthier” means we feel like we’re currently making unhealthy choices.
- Our brain (with the support of our subconscious) is unsure of what to focus on first, leaving us feeling confused and overwhelmed. What is “healthier” exactly?
Instead of resolutions, try making clear goals for yourself.
So, let’s say your broad goal is to become “healthier.”
1. Clarify Goals: Set clear goals of what “healthier” means. To quit smoking? To find more movement in your life? To eat better?
2. Specify: Now, narrow this goal if you can. To quit smoking is already specific. But if your goal is to find more movement, choose a form of exercise that works for you. Maybe that’s early morning walks. Maybe a dance class, or perhaps, (my favorite) yoga. If your goal is to eat better, specify how. Eating better may mean more vegetables in your diet
3. Action Steps: Finally, take those specific goals and break them down into actions you can easily follow, day in and day out.
Examples:
- Quit Smoking: Your action steps may be to contact a doctor, followed by finding the right means of support for you.
- More Movement: Let’s say you’ve chosen yoga. Your action step may be to find a nearby studio, make contact, and sign up for a class.
- Eating Better: If you have decided to add more vegetables into your diet, your action steps may be to find recipes that inspire you, and then add vegetables to your shopping list. Plan your meals ahead of time.
Finally, remind yourself daily that you are already pretty wonderful, and follow up with an “I Will” statement about the goal you intend to attain.
Remember, you are choosing this specific goal not because you need to do better, but because it will ultimately make you feel better.
Choosing one or two small goals for the new year rather than grand, sweeping resolutions will help set you up for a successful, and all-around happier, new year.
Happy New Year!
Cathrine
About the Author:
Cathrine Goldstein is a wellness writer, holistic life coach (dharma coach), E-RYT 500 certified yoga teacher, certified Y12SR leader, certified energy healer, and a long-time yoga studio manager.
Cathrine specializes in trauma-informed yoga and is the founder of Yoga Care for Caregivers. In addition to her wellness work, she is a many-time bestselling author, published poet, and a regular contributor to magazines and blogs.
To work with Cathrine or for more information, please visit: www.CathrineGoldstein.com. You can find her on Instagram at: @Cathrine_Goldstein.
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