Ethan Sterling
We’ve all been there. We start the year with grand ambitions and by February, our resolve is as brittle as a cookie. Making and breaking New Year’s resolutions has become an annual tradition for many of us.
But what if we could change that? What if instead of setting ourselves up for disappointment, we could cultivate habits that actually stick?
I’m here to tell you that it’s possible. And I have 7 habits to share with you that could turn your New Year’s resolution blues into a year-round success story.
So, if you’re tired of the same old cycle of promise and disappointment, stay tuned. This might just be the change you’ve been looking for.
1) Embrace the power of small
A common pitfall when making New Year’s resolutions is that we tend to think big, too big. We envision dramatic transformations and massive achievements. But more often than not, this approach sets us up for failure.
Why? Because big goals can be overwhelming. They demand a lot from us all at once. And when we don’t see immediate results, we get disheartened and give up.
The secret? Start small.
Small steps are manageable, less intimidating and easier to incorporate into our daily routine. They don’t require drastic changes, which makes them more sustainable over time.
Take the idea of getting fit, for example. Instead of vowing to hit the gym for an hour every day (a daunting task for many), start with a 10-minute daily walk. Once that becomes a habit, gradually increase the duration or intensity.
By breaking down your big goals into smaller, achievable steps, you’re more likely to stick with them and eventually reach your larger goal.
Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. And neither is lasting change. Go easy on yourself, start small and watch as these tiny changes snowball into significant progress over time.
2) Be specific with your goals
I used to make resolutions like “I’m going to read more this year”. Sounds good, right? But by February, I’d find myself stuck in the same old habits with my growing pile of unread books collecting dust. The problem? My resolution was too vague.
I’ve learned that being specific is key when setting goals. So instead of “read more”, my resolution turned into “read one book per month”. This gave me a clear, measurable target to aim for.
By the end of January, I had finished my first book. The sense of achievement was motivating and I felt excited about the next book on my list. This habit stuck and not only did I meet my goal, but I also developed a love for reading that has stayed with me.
When setting your resolutions, be clear and specific about what you want to achieve. It will give you a tangible target and you’ll know exactly when you’ve hit it. Trust me, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as ticking off a completed goal!
3) Turn it into a routine
Did you know our brains are wired for routine? Neuroscientists have found that our brains actually create neural pathways for new habits. Once these pathways are formed, the behavior becomes automatic.
By turning your resolution into a regular routine, you’ll be harnessing this incredible power of your brain. Whether it’s practicing yoga every morning, writing in your journal every night, or going for a run every Tuesday and Thursday, consistency is key.
The more you repeat the behavior, the stronger those neural pathways become and the easier it is to stick to your resolution. Pick a time and place for your new habit and stick to it. Let the remarkable machinery of your brain do the rest.
4) Keep a progress journal
It’s easy to lose motivation when you’re not seeing immediate results. This is especially true for resolutions like losing weight or learning a new skill, where progress can be slow.
That’s where a progress journal comes in. By tracking your daily or weekly progress, you’re creating a tangible record of your journey. You’ll be able to see how far you’ve come, which can be incredibly motivating.
Plus, if you ever find yourself struggling or feeling discouraged, your journal serves as a reminder of your past successes. It’s proof that you can and have made progress before, and it can give you the boost you need to keep going.
Remember, every little bit counts. Even if it feels like you’re moving at a snail’s pace, you’re still moving forward. And that’s something to celebrate.
5) Learn to embrace failure
I remember one year I set a resolution to run a marathon. I trained hard, but when the day came, I didn’t make it to the finish line. I felt crushed and considered giving up running altogether.
But over time, I realized that the failure wasn’t in not finishing the marathon. The failure would have been in not trying at all. So instead of dwelling on my setback, I used it as a learning opportunity.
I adjusted my training routine, worked on my stamina, and signed up for another marathon when I was ready. And guess what? I did finish that one.
The point is, you’re going to face setbacks. You’re going to fall short of your resolutions at times. But that doesn’t mean you should give up. Instead, view these challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.
Embrace failure as part of the journey, because it’s often in our failures that we find our greatest lessons.
6) Get a resolution buddy
Staying committed to your resolutions can be tough when you’re going at it alone. That’s why having a resolution buddy can be a game-changer.
Having someone by your side who shares your goal, or at least supports it, can make the journey less daunting. You’ll have someone to share your victories with, someone to help you through the rough patches, and someone to keep you accountable.
When you know that someone else is counting on you or rooting for you, it can give you that extra push to stay on track.
It’s time to find a friend, family member, or coworker who’s up for the challenge and tackle your resolutions together. The shared experience might just make the process more enjoyable too!
7) Stay patient and persistent
Remember, lasting change takes time. It’s not about instant gratification or quick fixes. It’s about consistency, patience, and a whole lot of persistence.
So even when it feels like you’re not making progress, keep going. Don’t get disheartened if you don’t see immediate results.
It’s the small, consistent steps that lead to big changes over time. Stay the course, be kind to yourself, and remember that every step forward, no matter how small, is progress.
Final thought: The power of habit
The profound influence of habits on our lives is undeniable. Our habits shape our daily routines, our actions, and ultimately, our lives.
These habits we’ve discussed are just a starting point. They’re stepping stones on the path to creating lasting change.
So as you set out to make this year different, remember that change is a process. It’s a journey that requires patience, persistence, and most importantly, belief in yourself.
Believe that you can change, believe that you can create new habits and stick with them, and believe that you can achieve your goals.
Because the power to change your life resides in you and the habits you cultivate.
