Let's go! How to make resolutions work

Let's go! How to make resolutions work
Let's go! How to make resolutions work

It might sometimes feel like your resolutions are just there to be broken! But deciding to ditch bad habits and replace them with positive ones is always an excellent idea - and one you should persevere with.

The problem is not so much that we don't have the determination to stick to our resolutions; it's more that we should choose resolutions that are achievable. If not, it's as if we're setting ourselves up to fail.

For the best chance of succeeding in your goals, try these tips for making resolutions that work:

Bach flowers personal mix

Bach flowers personal mix:

  • Personal combination
  • Based on your symptoms and character
  • Bach flower remedy personally selected by Tom
  • Fast and good results
Discover how Personal Bach flowers remedy - Wizard can help you

1. Don't aim too high

The first secret of success is to pick a single goal rather than several. Consider whether it's one that you can realistically achieve - do you have the time and commitment to stick with it? If you resolve to give up chocolate completely, consider how long you'll be able to persevere. You're much more likely to achieve your goal if your resolution is to limit your treat to just one bar a week.

2. Make your resolutions specific

Saving money is an excellent idea. But you're more likely to stay focussed if you plan where you'll trim your budget and by how much. For example, take a packed lunch rather than buy a sandwich and coffee every day, and bank the savings you make. Setting small, well-defined goal makes it much easier to stay on track.

3. Write down your goals

Writing down your resolutions makes you feel more accountable and gives you a much better chance of achieving your goals. Keeping a diary or journal can also help you to reflect and spot any patterns of behaviour that might be jeopardising your success.

4. Talk about your resolutions

Going public about your New Year's resolutions makes it harder to backtrack. Talk to others about your goals and ask them to check in regularly to see how you're getting on. Even better, find a friend who has made the same resolution and support one another.

5. Reassess your goals regularly

Pause frequently throughout the year to reevaluate your goals. If you decide that you're unlikely to achieve your aims, feel free to give them a tweak or two so that they fit in better with your lifestyle. Share any changes you make with friends and family so that they can continue to support you.

6. Recognise small wins

Don't focus solely on reaching the finishing line but celebrate minor achievements along the way. If you resolve to lose 15 kilos, don't wait until you've met your target. Keep track of your progress in your journal and treat yourself after every kilo.

7. If you lapse, you're not alone!

Almost everyone who makes a New Year's resolution slips up from time to time. If this happens to you, don't let your lapse hold you back. It's how you deal with it that matters. Don't waste time feeling guilty and then give up. Acknowledge your setback, understand why it happened and work out how to stop yourself making the same mistake again. Then get back on track.

8. Stick with techniques that work

Once your new behaviour starts to feel "normal", there's a risk that you might let your guard slip. It's now that you're most vulnerable to backsliding. Suppose you haven't had a cigarette for three months. You might think that it's safe for you to have a night out with friends who smoke, But it was avoiding this social circle that allowed you to succeed in your resolution. Similarly, if keeping a food diary has been crucial to your weight loss success, don't stop at this point. Removing these techniques may undermine your resolve. If what you're doing is helpful, don't stop.

9. Believe in yourself and your abilities

If you're confident that you're capable of changing your behaviour, your self-belief will carry through to success. People sometimes say that they want to make a New year's resolution, but feel that they won't achieve it. But if you believe you can do something, you're more likely to do it.

A final thought

If you sometimes doubt yourself, don't give up. Instead, modify your resolutions to make them achievable. Rather than taking on a huge challenge, break down your resolution into smaller goals that you know you can attain. Bach Flower Mix 44 can also help: it contains pure Bach flower essences that can help self-confidence and support your self-belief.

When you've kept your resolutions and established new, healthy habits, it's the moment to celebrate! You should be proud of yourself! But don't give up on your resolutions now. Whether it's giving up smoking, eating healthily or exercising regularly, build on your goals and maintain your new, healthy lifestyle for the years ahead.

Sources:

https://www.nytimes.com/guides/smarterliving/resolution-ideas

https://blog.mindvalley.com/importance-of-self-belief/


Marie Pure

Other articles


Are most people good or bad

Are most people good or bad?

Do you sometimes despair about humanity because it seems there are far more bad people than good? Are we primarily selfish individuals, thinking only about our own needs? Or is this cynical belief just because we spend so much time online? The truth is more complicated!

Read the complete article

Signs of depression under the radar

Signs of depression under the radar

It is not always obvious when someone is experiencing depression. Some people with depression mask their symptoms, hiding their feelings behind a smile to convince others they are happy.

Read the complete article

have you considered yoga

Have you considered yoga? The advantages of practicing yoga

Have you considered yoga? There are many advantages to practicing yoga. It is a holistic practice benefitting you physically, emotionally & mentally.

Read the complete article

Are you resilient enough Take our quiz!

Are you resilient enough? Take our quiz!

Do you have enough resilience to face the world out there? Take our quiz to find out how resilient you are and find tips on how to build your mental resilience.

Read the complete article

How to break your bad habits

How to break your bad habits

Bad habits waste your energy and time. They disrupt your life, risk your health and stop you from achieving your aims. So why do we do them? And what can we do to break our bad habits?

Read the complete article

Is it OCD Find out!

Is it OCD? Find out!

While you often hear people joking that they have OCD because they like to keep their house clean and tidy, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can be a distressing and debilitating mental health condition with a wide range of symptoms.

Read the complete article

Let's make 2021 better than 2020

Let's make 2021 better than 2020

For many people, 2020 has been one of the worst years they can remember. The COVID -19 pandemic and social unrest have changed our lives in ways we would not have believed possible a year ago. And when January 2021 comes around, we're still likely to be facing many challenges. Can 2021 be a better year?

Read the complete article

Did you get stuck in the past

Did you get stuck in the past?

Do you find yourself often thinking about your past? Do you wish you could turn back the clock to days gone by or things as they were before covid disrupted the world?

Read the complete article

fear of fireworks dogs

7 tips to help your dog with a fear of fireworks

As nice as it is for a person to celebrate New Year, it's not so nice for a dog, especially when the loud fireworks go off the whole night. This is really frightening for many dogs. Read our 7 tips on how you can help your dog with his fear of fireworks.

Read the complete article

Feeling blue

Feeling blue?

Feeling blue? You're not alone! We all feel sad at times; it's a normal human emotion. Sometimes, it's clear to see what has triggered our depression. Common reasons for feeling sad include bereavement, the end of a relationship, losing your job or money problems. But it's not always so clearcut.

Read the complete article

Free personal advice for your problem?

Are you unsure which Bach flowers can help you? Contact Tom for free advice.

tom vermeersch
Tom Vermeersch

Yes, I want free advice

No thanks, I will do my own research