Resolutions into REVOLUTIONS

We have all been there – the countdown to the New Year starts and suddenly we make up our minds about changing not one but fifty different things about ourselves and our lives. From stopping meat consumption to starting a daily mindfulness practice, to losing 10 kilos or preparing for a marathon, we have all got to midnight with the oppressive weight of the commitments and goals towards a better version of ourselves.

Now, not everything is lost. Writer and Happiness Researcher, Gretchen Rubin, believes among the best tools for creating new habits and changes in our lives, the “Clean Slate” Strategy is probably the best. According to research and data, the idea of starting over, whether due to a breakup, moving homes, starting a new job or a New Year, can be a great push to commit to deep changes.

This is not to say that this alone is enough, but our almost too optimistic view of the New Year and how much it will transform our lives, makes complete sense. Nonetheless, how do we make sure the resolutions and goals go beyond the pages of our journals and into full reality?

These are the tricks I offer my clients when preparing to close a year and move unto the next empowered and focused:

Ink them – Don’t just rely on your mind to keep tracks of things, if these goals matter to you, take the time to write them. Be specific, be detailed and be reasonable. Keep them around for inspiration and read them frequently. and, those leaving them behind, are feeling guilty and unworthy, almost as if re-confirming the lack of worth due to what many call “lack of willpower”.

However, no matter how resolute we are when the clock rings the last bell, research shows that by week two, most resolutions have been abandoned

Change, no matter how you look at it, isn’t easy. From rewiring our brain into shifting pathways, to developing new attitudes, when we set to change our lives and worlds, we must remember that there’s more in it that meets the eye.

Question them – Before you google how to lose 20 kgs by Valentine’s Day, ask yourself: Why is this goal on my list? Whose voice told me it was important? Sometimes, we hold unto goals or dreams that others imposed on us and by discerning we can truly find what matters to us and focus on them.

Honour yourself – Yes, these changes might require effort from you and that’s ok, however, remember you are human (awesome and fab, but still human) and the day has 24hrs for everyone. So, choose one or two big goals at a time and focus on them, instead of deciding to go vegan, run a marathon, learn mandarin and learn Flamenco all by the summer.

Lead with self-compassion – In your path, allow yourself to “fall off the wagon” trusting that you can always come back again. Focus hiccups and setbacks and part of the journey, nothing else. You’re ready, focused and inspired, so now go on and make 2019 your best year, on your terms and towards your ultimate joy. Happy New Year!