Happy holidays! It’s the New Year again, and it’s time to start anew and become better versions of ourselves. So are you making your New Year’s resolutions?
But do you know that New Year’s resolutions don’t work? Well, if you check all the things you listed for last year, how many did you achieve? Do you even remember half of it?
For most, you’re not alone. Based on a Psychology Professor John C. PhD. Norcross of the University of Scranton, the estimate is probably less than 10%. And why is that? You don’t want the same fate.
So here are the reasons why New Year’s Resolutions don’t work. And what you should do about it.
Forgetting an Actual Plan
It’s easy to tell the world that you will be more fit, or you will become more financially stable this year. But how do you plan to do it? Many people who create New Year’s resolutions don’t have a concrete plan to get it.
So, plan your goals. And then track your progress. What should you be doing every day to hit your year-end goals? Divide into bite-size pieces and set up milestones. If you incorporate small victories and checkpoints along the way, you have more chances to hit your desired outcome.
Setting Unrealistic Goals
A “realistic goal” is relative to everyone. What might be attainable for you might not be as easily attainable for other people. But only you know if it is.
I’m not saying you don’t aim for higher. I’m just saying that you should measure what is required for the goal. If you are aiming for 1M savings this year with just P20,000 a month salary. It would be really hard. Where can you earn the additional money?
It’s not impossible, but it’s quite unrealistic. People overestimate what they can do in a day. But underestimate what can be done in 5 years.
So better readjust and target maybe set a lower goal or divide that big goal for something more attainable for the year.
Foregoing the Habits Required to Sustain It
When we aim for a goal, sometimes you need to change in order to get it. It stretches us to be better versions of ourselves.
For example, if you want to have a good physique, you need to be a healthy person. And your actions and habits should reflect that.
Most people who draft New Year’s resolutions just want the result, but they don’t want to change. For goal-getting, your habits should be aligned with the end goal to be sustainable.
Goals that Takes Too Much Effort to Start
When we start the year, we believe we can do anything! After all, it’s towards a fresh start. But if you want a big goal and your first few steps need too much effort to start, you are deemed to fail.
You should set easy goals for yourself at first. Instead of going to the gym 6 days a week 2 hours a day (when you haven’t even tried working out in your life), try something more manageable. That’s quite a big leap over just 20 minutes of brisk walking every other day.
Start small and build your habits from there.
Focusing Too Much on the End Goal, Not on the Process to Get It
A lot of people quit when it gets tough. But know that the process is more important than the end goal.
Yes, you want to hit your yearly targets. What if, even if you diligently do it in 6 months, you don’t have any results, how would you feel? Usually, negative feelings will engulf you to quit.
Most goals need to be backed-up by habits that can sustain them. You are building the habit now. It’s a waste when you don’t push through.
That’s why you should be more focused on the process. When you are focused on “exercise 3 days a week,” rather than “I should’ve lost 20kg by the end of the year,” you will be more willing to correct your mistakes and readjust your plans.
So focus more on the process, not on the result.
Not Forgiving Yourself
When you strive for something and things don’t pan out, it might be frustrating and self-depreciating. A lot of people stop because they feel that they have failed.
Know that it’s alright to get roadblocks. Know that it’s alright to make mistakes. Forgive yourself, try again. After all, nothing worth it comes easy. Push through the pain and the end goal is within your grasps.
Conclusion
Are you ready to take advantage of the new year? Fix your “resolutions” and make them actionable goals with tips above! Good luck with your journey to greatness! Cheers!!
