New Year can feel like a brand new beginning when anything is possible. We set new goals, clear our mindsets, and try to kick off the year on a high note. After a few short months, our ambition declines and our goals fall to the wayside and we fall back into routine habits. Here are 5 reasons why new year’s resolutions fail.
Mindset vs Behavior
No matter what you put on your resolution list you need to work on your point of view – your mindset. You have to look at the situation with a new mindset and only then will you be able to change the behavior. Most of us start the day on autopilot with the same habits, the same activities. If you want to upgrade something in your life you cannot approach it with the old point of view that got you there in the first place.
Reality Check
Be honest with yourself. Do you really want what is on your resolution list? Does it feel too unattainable? Or the opposite, it feels too easy and not exciting? It is critical for you to slow down and check in with yourself about how you feel towards the goals you set. Most importantly ask yourself WHY do you want to accomplish this goal? How will it change your life?
Programming
Yes, how we’ve been programmed in childhood matters. You can have all the ambition in the world, but if you have that negative voice from your past telling you that you won’t be able to make it. Don’t let that negative voice stop you from the ambition you have and live the life you want. Too much thinking and not enough doing pauses your progress. Don’t let it happen to you.
Big picture without small steps
At times we set a goal and treat it more like a dream: “I’d love to go to this tropical place. It doesn’t have to be a dream breaking it down to small steps can help the goal become more achievable. For example, wanting to visit a tropical place can be broken down by answering a few questions:
- How much is the trip? (hotel, flight, expenses) $5000
- How long will I be there? (5 day,7 day, 10 days, 14 days) – 7 days
- Are there any special deals during some seasons? – February deals for a couple, July kids stay free
- How much a month can I put away towards the trip? – $500
Stop treating a marathon as a sprint! In this example, you could open a savings account and save $500 a month. You’d be able to afford the trip in 10 months!
Accountability or Feedback
Accountability is a large part of keeping on track for your goals. Try an accountability buddy! This could be something like finding a workout partner or joining a book club. Don’t know anyone in your immediate circle looking to hit a similar goal? No problem! Social Media could be a great way to connect and stay accountable. Post your goal and regular progress updates – you never know who might feel inspired and join you. Not into social media? Journaling or keeping track of your goal progress on a calendar is another great option!
Take your time and trust the process. YOU CAN DO IT! No matter what you’d like to accomplish, you are 100% capable of doing it. Stay strong, stay on track and make sure to celebrate small steps along the way.
