It is that time of the year again when the calendar counts down to the final days of the year, you are pausing to reflect on the life you’ve led and how you would like it to be in the upcoming year. You might make resolutions about the change you’d like to see in yourself in the upcoming year.
On the one hand, resolutions can be complicated, bringing in hope for the future, while on the other, they could make you doubt yourself if you don’t fulfill them.
Today, pause for a moment to think of your aspirations for the upcoming year and build resolutions that will be more achievable and sustainable for you.
Some of the most common New Year’s resolutions most of us make, revolve around getting
physically fitter, eating healthy, and getting fitter mentally, too.
If you find yourself saying
Then voila! You are not alone.
Resolutions are easy to make and even easier to break. While setting goals for yourself for the upcoming year is a great way to challenge yourself and work towards self-improvement, at times you may get restrictive with these resolutions. And it might get difficult for you to hold the other end of the promise. The result? The resolution breaks a few weeks into the New Year and you find yourself setting the same goals year after year.
To break this cycle, it is important to understand the kind of change you desire for yourself and make resolutions that are tailored to your life.
A common theme that comes up when talking about resolutions is consistency.
What one thinks it looks like - doing things the same way over time, without a gap.
What it can also look like - doing things keeping in mind the capacity you have, adjusting goals as per your energy levels
When you have a strict idea of what the goals should be, it makes it more difficult to stick to them, trying to change everything can be overwhelming and may lead to burnout. Eventually, you get too harsh on yourself for not doing enough.
Being realistic with your goals, setting goals that challenge you but also accommodate your current lifestyle, job, and personal commitments.
Life is unpredictable, it is okay to allow room for a change of plans.
Identify what changes in your weight or your physical health mean to you. What is the driving force behind making this resolution? What motivates you to be physically fit? Occasionally, shifting focus from action to intention can help in being persistent.
Cut yourself some slack and be kind to yourself.
Don't be too hard on yourself if you stumble.
Embrace the process, and remember that setbacks don't define your progress.
Instead of being too harsh on yourself whenever you slip, restructure your thoughts and assure yourself that you are doing your best.
While we keep the above in mind, it is also essential to understand how your physical health and mental health are linked. When you take care of your physique and be mindful of what you eat, it significantly and positively impacts your mental state. However, it is also okay to give in to your cravings if you want to treat yourself.
This link is a two-way street, while a balanced diet also nourishes your mind, a well-rested mind can do wonders for your fitness goals. It’s okay to prioritize your mental and emotional well-being over rigid dietary restrictions!
Design tasks that are manageable, flexible, and kind to your being.
Check out how realistic goals with clear intentions can look on a gentle to-do list!
Make your own gentle to do list to bridge the gap between expectations and reality.
This New Year, intentionally set sustainable resolutions to improve your physical and emotional well-being.