Setting New Year’s resolutions can be incredibly empowering, as it is a wonderful opportunity to refocus and set goals that enable you to fulfil your potential.
Many of us begin the New Year filled with enthusiasm and the best of intentions, but by January 15th, our enthusiasm begins to wane, and we quickly abandon our resolution to become healthier, learn a new language, or to stop drinking coffee… Why is this?
There are several reasons why many of us do not persist with our New Year’s resolutions. Let’s see if you recognise any of them:
Excuses
Let’s be truthful - we probably know what we should do to achieve our resolutions; however, we make up excuses about why we can't take action to escape the reality that we've let ourselves down.
Unrealistic resolutions
While it is important that we have the highest aspirations for ourselves and set ambitious resolutions, they must be realistic. E.g., It is unrealistic to make a resolution to run the London Marathon in 2 weeks’ time, if you lead a sedentary lifestyle and have never jogged before.
Habits
We repeat unhelpful patterns of behaviour and do not develop new positive habits that will enable us to achieve our resolutions. As the NLP adage states… “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.”
Lack of action
We do not take positive action to ensure that our resolutions become a reality.
Ok… so we know what some of the barriers are to achieving our resolutions and goals – now let’s take ACTION to change this!
Whatever New Year’s resolutions, or personal and professional goals that you are working towards, here are a few tips that I have shared with my clients, which may support you along your journey.
Acknowledge and own your excuses
Review your resolutions and goals and make sure that they are SMART (e.g. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time bound)
Identify and assemble the resources that you will need along your journey (e.g. books, equipment, dedicated time, a coach, an accountability partner, etc.)
Create an action plan that breaks down your resolutions and goals into small, manageable steps
Arrange your surroundings to support new habits that will allow you to achieve your resolutions and goals. Embedding one positive habit, no matter how small, will change the direction of your life if you persist
Use positive prompts and reminders to ensure that you remain focused on your purpose
Reward yourself for the small changes and milestones that you achieve along your journey
If you ‘fall off the horse,’ pick yourself up, dust yourself off and climb back on.
If you need additional support to develop positive habits to persist with your goals and resolutions, email me on info@courageovercomfortcoaching.co.uk and I will be in touch to arrange a complimentary clarity call.
Let’s take positive action to ensure that our 2022 story is our best yet!