Hands up if you’ve ever made a new year’s resolution that you didn’t manage to stick to? Yep! That’s just about everyone! In recent years I’ve even given up making any new resolutions because I knew I would never see them through. The thing is however, that new year is a time for new beginnings. Warmer weather and lighter days are on their way and it feels like we can make a fresh start. It’s such a positive thing to do and hope springs eternal, so why not commit yourself to a change this year? Here’s our tips on how to stick to your new year’s resolutions.
If you try to make too many resolutions at once you’ll never stick to them, so channel your energy into just one area that you want to change.
What do you actually want out of life? If you want to lose weight because the media says you should, that’s the wrong reason. Far better to consider what will make you happy in the long run and go with that.
Rather than aiming to lose half your body weight by the time you go on holiday in the summer, it’s much better – and healthier – if you decide you would like to lose a few pounds in January, and a few more in February and so on. Set yourself some small goals that you can achieve. Starving yourself won’t help. So apply yourself to thinking of ways in which you can eat more healthily and take more exercise. Small goals can include walking for 30 minutes three times a week, or going to a Pilates class, as well as cutting out chocolate on three days, or always grilling your food, never frying it.
This can apply to any area. If you want to declutter your house for example, choose a room to do in the first few weeks, and take it from there. If you want to write a novel, write 500 words per day, three days a week. Lifestyle change is the key to success.
Some lifestyle changes (like dieting or exercise) may well feel like a punishment. Stop thinking that way. If you enjoy swimming, surely heading to the pool three times a week is a treat? Eating a yoghurt instead of a heavy pudding is light and satisfying. If you ‘fall off the wagon’ that’s fine, get back on it as soon as you can.
Understand that we are all different and perfection is unattainable. Celebrate who you are as an individual. Focus on the great things you bring to the table.
Your resolution should not be a secret. The more you share it and talk about your goal with others, the more likely you are to achieve your desired outcome. Friends and family can be there to support you when you feel you aren’t doing as well as you would have liked. Even better, buddy up with someone who wants to do the same thing as you. If your resolution is particularly tricky you might need some professional support so don’t shy away from asking for it.
The more you intellectualise what you want to do, the more likely you will be to stick to it. Read up on what you want to do. Who can you draw on for inspiration? Use a journal to record your progress, or make yourself a chart or spreadsheet that you can use as a visual prompt. Revisit these when you feel your resolve is failing.
It has been said that a new activity takes three weeks to become a habit and six months to fully become part of your personality. Unfortunately, it won’t happen overnight – so make sure you’ve in it for the long game. If you find you have given up, recommit yourself and do another week’s worth. Keep recommitting. There will be problems but it’s a measure of your strength how you surmount them.
At regular intervals, why not reward yourself if you are meeting your goals? This could be buying new clothing if you’ve lost weight, or treating yourself to a spa day or massage if you’ve been working hard.
Pick a day to start your new resolution (not January 1st!) and go for it 100%. Look forward to the moment you begin and embrace the change wholeheartedly. This is the start of something big. A new year, a new you!
Created by Tom Vermeersch
Tom Vermeersch is a certified Psychologist and Bach flower expert with more than 30 years of experience.
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Hands up if you’ve ever made a new year’s resolution that you didn’t manage to stick to? Yep! That’s just about everyone! In recent years I’ve even given up making any new resolutions because I knew I would never see them through. The thing is however, that new year is a time for new beginnings. Warmer weather and lighter days are on their way and it feels like we can make a fresh start. It’s such a positive thing to do and hope springs eternal, so why not commit yourself to a change this year? Here’s our tips on how to stick to your new year’s resolutions.
If you try to make too many resolutions at once you’ll never stick to them, so channel your energy into just one area that you want to change.
What do you actually want out of life? If you want to lose weight because the media says you should, that’s the wrong reason. Far better to consider what will make you happy in the long run and go with that.
Rather than aiming to lose half your body weight by the time you go on holiday in the summer, it’s much better – and healthier – if you decide you would like to lose a few pounds in January, and a few more in February and so on. Set yourself some small goals that you can achieve. Starving yourself won’t help. So apply yourself to thinking of ways in which you can eat more healthily and take more exercise. Small goals can include walking for 30 minutes three times a week, or going to a Pilates class, as well as cutting out chocolate on three days, or always grilling your food, never frying it.
This can apply to any area. If you want to declutter your house for example, choose a room to do in the first few weeks, and take it from there. If you want to write a novel, write 500 words per day, three days a week. Lifestyle change is the key to success.
Some lifestyle changes (like dieting or exercise) may well feel like a punishment. Stop thinking that way. If you enjoy swimming, surely heading to the pool three times a week is a treat? Eating a yoghurt instead of a heavy pudding is light and satisfying. If you ‘fall off the wagon’ that’s fine, get back on it as soon as you can.
Understand that we are all different and perfection is unattainable. Celebrate who you are as an individual. Focus on the great things you bring to the table.
Your resolution should not be a secret. The more you share it and talk about your goal with others, the more likely you are to achieve your desired outcome. Friends and family can be there to support you when you feel you aren’t doing as well as you would have liked. Even better, buddy up with someone who wants to do the same thing as you. If your resolution is particularly tricky you might need some professional support so don’t shy away from asking for it.
The more you intellectualise what you want to do, the more likely you will be to stick to it. Read up on what you want to do. Who can you draw on for inspiration? Use a journal to record your progress, or make yourself a chart or spreadsheet that you can use as a visual prompt. Revisit these when you feel your resolve is failing.
It has been said that a new activity takes three weeks to become a habit and six months to fully become part of your personality. Unfortunately, it won’t happen overnight – so make sure you’ve in it for the long game. If you find you have given up, recommit yourself and do another week’s worth. Keep recommitting. There will be problems but it’s a measure of your strength how you surmount them.
At regular intervals, why not reward yourself if you are meeting your goals? This could be buying new clothing if you’ve lost weight, or treating yourself to a spa day or massage if you’ve been working hard.
Pick a day to start your new resolution (not January 1st!) and go for it 100%. Look forward to the moment you begin and embrace the change wholeheartedly. This is the start of something big. A new year, a new you!
Feel like you overthink too much? Having a hard time making decisions? Or feel like you don’t consider your options enough? Find out how to strike a balance.
Do you always feel that everything’s always going wrong? Find out how to stop this cycle of bad thoughts in its tracks. When you think positively, things will start to appear positive and you will eventually feel more positive and optimistic.
Do you feel you’re always criticising and judging everyone, yourself included? Do you feel bad about it afterwards? You’re certainly not alone! Read on to discover how you can judge less and start to accept things the way they are.
If you're worried that the world is changing too fast, you're not alone: technology is constantly developing, and it can be challenging to keep up with all the changes. As a result, many people - not just the older generations - feel anxious that they might get left behind.
Feel like everyone takes you for granted? Whether it's working late to prepare a presentation or cooking a special birthday meal for your partner, it's nice to be appreciated when you've made an extra effort. And if it seems as if people don't notice, you might feel as if no one values you.
Read the complete article
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Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, governments around the world have taken unprecedented measures to stop the spread of coronavirus. The rapid changes we've seen have had an impact on almost every aspect of our lives.
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?
It's natural to compare our own lives with those of others - weighing up the pros and cons of situations helps us make decisions. But there can be a downside when you find you're constantly comparing yourself with others, envying their seemingly perfect lives and wondering why they are luckier, more prosperous, and better looking than you.
Whether it's with a romantic partner or a housemate, there's no doubt that a relationship with a narcissist can be very challenging. But are there ways to cope better? Or is it better to leave the relationship?
Bach Flowers are not medicinal but harmless plant extracts which are used to support health.
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