A year of new beginnings

There are resolutions we set all throughout the year: For a car or house payment to be made on time, for medications to be taken as prescribed, for being good to yourself… so many things. They are thought of more as commitments, but they are resolutions. When I looked it up in the dictionary, a resolutions is a promise to yourself to do or to not do something.

For me I work to make sure my bed is made every morning. It’s just something I have done since I was little and not making it kind of sets me on edge. I will make sure I do the work even when I’m feeling miserable. I also make sure I use my calendar to help me keep my finances in order, set schedules to make sure my nails get trimmed and my hair is cut, and also plan my house cleaning is small sections at a time. This way eventually everything gets cleaned no matter how immobile I become. It’s taken a lot of trial and error but eventually I have made a system that works for me.

Keeping a resolution involves several strategies to ensure you maintain motivation and commitment. If there is something you want to do better in 2025, here are some practical steps to help you get there.

1. Set Realistic Goals

Be Specific: Instead of “I want to lose weight,” say “I will lose 10 pounds in 3 months by exercising 3 times a week.”
Make it Attainable: Ensure your goals are within your capability to avoid discouragement.

2. Break It Down

Divide your resolution into smaller, manageable tasks. For example, if your resolution is to read more, set a goal to read 20 pages each night.

3. Plan and Schedule

Create a Timeline: Use a calendar or planner to schedule when you’ll work on your resolution.
Routine: Incorporate your new habit into your daily routine to make it a part of your life.

4. Track Your Progress

Use apps, journals, or visual charts to keep track of your progress. Seeing how far you’ve come can be motivating.

5. Accountability

Buddy System: Find a friend or family member with a similar goal or who can support you. Sharing your progress can increase commitment. Sometimes, telling others about your resolution can add an extra layer of accountability.

6. Reward Yourself

Set up small rewards for achieving milestones. These should be positive reinforcements like a movie night or a small treat, not counterproductive to your goal.

7. Be Flexible

Life happens, and sometimes you might slip. Don’t view this as a failure but as a part of the journey. Adjust your plan if necessary without giving up on the overall goal.

8. Understand Your Motivations

Keep reminding yourself why you set this resolution. Whether it’s for health, happiness, or personal growth, recalling your “why” can reignite your drive.

9. Learn from Setbacks

Instead of getting discouraged by setbacks, analyze what led to them and how you can avoid similar situations in the future.

10. Positive Reinforcement

Use positive affirmations or motivational quotes. Sometimes, a little self-talk can go a long way in keeping you on track.

11. Review and Adjust

Periodically review your progress. If something isn’t working, adjust your strategy rather than abandoning the resolution.

Remember, the key is consistency over perfection. Every day you stick to your resolution, even in small ways, counts towards building a new habit or achieving your goal. If you find yourself struggling, revisit your plan, and don’t hesitate to seek support from others. Happy New Year, and here’s to achieving your 2025 resolutions!