Clean slate, blank page, fresh start, new chapter.
It’s resolution time, and I love it!
The positive energy, the ambition and the anything-is-possibile vibe that comes with the new year is infectious, exciting and oh-so motivating.
Unfortunately, the January spark (i.e. motivation) you’re feeling right now tends to fizzles a little too quickly, which doesn’t leave much hope for sticking to resolutions.
So in the spirit of fizzling all year long, I’d like to address the one thing most people completely miss the mark on when it comes to setting resolutions that will keep them motivated.
But first, let’s go over resolution-setting as a 3 step process.
Step 1) What do you want to achieve?
Last January, an article in Time featured the top 10 commonly broken new year’s resolutions. Among them were:
1) Lose weight & get fit
2) Quit smoking
3) Learn something new
4) Eat healthier
5) Get out of debt & save money
What does this tell us? That deciding on WHAT we want to resolve, isn’t the problem. We all know, more or less, what we want to achieve. The problem is that for many people, the resolution-making process tends to stop here. It may be a great idea, but unless you take the process a step further, that’s all your resolution will ever be. A mere intention to do better. Let’s take it a little further.
Step 2) How will you get there?
Having a plan is the only way to turn your intention into reality. Otherwise, it’s just wishful thinking.
The HOW step breaks down the big goal into smaller, sizeable chunks, turning your resolution into something realistic, tangible and less overwhelming by telling us which steps to follow. Of course, there is a proper method for doing this the right way, or more precisely, in a smart way. Over on the weighty matters blog is a good reminder on how to set a SMART resolution.
And finally…. where we often miss the mark …
Step 3) Why is this important to you?
We miss the mark by not asking ourselves, or not reminding ourselves, why we’ve set the resolution in the first place.
You want to lose weight, why?
You want to get fit, why?
You want to quit smoking, why?
Don’t fall into the trap of making a resolution simply because you think you should or like the idea of it. If you want to follow through and are looking for a way to keep the fizzle going all year long, then you need to dig a little deeper.
Here’s what you do:
For each resolution or new year intention, come up with 3 or more reasons why this is important or how this change might benefit you.
Now, write your answers down.
This might sound simple but what’s actually happening is that you are uprooting your motivation. You’re putting into words your perceived benefit of changing. These are also your reasons why never to give up on your resolution or, conversely, why you should stick with it!
And so, by mid-februaruy, if you feel the fizzle fade, you refer back to your list for a motivational boost. And don’t be shy to add to the list as the months go by. You can never have to many reasons why.
Post the list on your fridge, in your food journal, as your desktop background, as a reminder on your phone.
Now, I’d love to hear from you.
In the spirit of getting you and other readers motivated too, I would love for you to share one of your resolutions and 3 reasons why, right here, in the comments section below this post. Even if you do it anonymously, it’s a great New Year exercise.
And to be fair, I will share one of mine!
One of my resolutions this year: to read more books for pleasure. I’m aiming for 2 books per month (as my realistic starting point), with only one being nutrition or health-related. (Forcing myself to step out of the box a little).
Why is this important to me? 1) Reading makes me unwind 2) I feel more creative during and after reading 3) I want to broaden my knowledge
Your turn! And while you’re at it, any book suggestions? Wishing you an abundance of health in 2013.
Photo credit: Ellenbloom
One of my resolutions for 2013 is to drink more tea and less coffee.
I am constantly on the go and my brain would always tell me that in order to function at 100 percent, I needed my morning coffee to wake me up. I found myself getting so hooked on it that I would go up to 4 coffees a day. This is why one of my resolutions is to cut down on coffee and replace it with tea.
The reasons are 1) tea is relaxing 2) my splenda intake will decrease (i would use splenda in each of my coffees 3) 2013 is all about eating clean for me so I feel that tea is a healthier and more natural replacement to coffee
Coffee can be a tough nut to crack. So it’s good of you to go the smart way, and do a gradual cut down. I also love that cutting down on artificial sweeteners made its way in there! Cheers, to a healthy- and less jittery – 2013 🙂
My resolution is to take more time for myself. I’m always on the go and never take time to unwind. I find myself asking why there is not more time in one day. Taking time for “me” will let me relax and reset. I will be a happier and healthier version of me. By setting aside time in a day to do what I want to do, whether it be reading, exercising or taking a walk, I will definitely see the benefits in every part of my life!! 🙂
Great post!!!
I’m guilty of that too and will also be working on adding-in more me-time this year. I think planning it (just as you so consistently do with everything else) is key! Happy new year!!
One of my resolutions for 2013 is to go to my yoga class at least 2 times/week.
I started yoga 10 months ago but started to develop a passion and interest for it only recently. I realized how much it has changed my life and all the benefits that it has brought to me since I started. I have always been a fan of team sports and competitive activities and never thought that I would be a fan of yoga. However, it allows me to connect with myself which I find is most necessary at this stage of my life. I still consider myself a beginner, which is why practicing at least twice a week will allow me to reach a higher level.
Reasons why: 1) gives me peace of mind and instills patience in me 2) keeps me active and in shape 3) yoga is very energizing, it gives me the power and motivation that I need to accomplish other goals that I have set for myself at work, with school and in every day life.
Keep the awesome posts and stories coming 🙂 happy 2013!
Thanks! This is a great and well thought-out resolution! May 2013 be the yr you tackle all poses you put your mind to 🙂
Great post! I love the part about asking why. It definitely helps to keep that motivation.
For me, I would love to get back into running. I haven’t ran much at all in the past year. After getting injured, i didn’t spend as much time with it and it fizzled out from there. I would love to do another half but at least a 12k in the next few months.
Hope you had a great new years, Vanessa! 🙂
Same here! I’m working towards the same thing so we can maybe keep each other motivated from a distance ? Wishing you a year of PRs and great runs
Happy New Year Vanessa!
Thanks for this posting. I’m usually not one to make resolutions but you’ve inspired me to reflect on how I can start 2013 on the right foot. My resolution is to be less hard and critical of myself in 2013! I will try to find motivation by looking at my accomplishments rather than focusing on what I haven’t yet achieved.
– Positive energy does wonders for health & well being
– Everyone needs a self-hug or pat on the back every now and then
– Positivity is contagious, so cheers to a happier, less stressful 2013!!!
Good one! It’s so important because once you’re happy with your achievements, you no longer need any external approval to be satisfied. And you definitely have so much to be proud of! – Xo