“We can never give up longing and wishing while we are thoroughly alive. There are certain things we feel to be beautiful and good, and we must hunger after them."
- George Eliot
As you sit down to write your aspirations for 2025, I invite you to start with a gratitude list for all the wonders and goodness you were blessed with in 2024 . . .
And so we begin . . .
Most New Year’s resolutions fall short because they’re often vague and not supported by actionable steps. When we weave together our innate desire with realistic to-do's it creates the sustainable motivation we need to achieve goals over time. If classic "resolutions" are not appealing or haven't worked for you, please skip down for inspiring alternatives.
If you enjoy a New Year's resolution, but struggle to accomplish what you set out to, a few ideas:
Instead of jotting down, “I want this, this, this and this,” consider setting clear, actionable goals that align with your values and big-picture wishes. For example, rather than, “I want to get healthy,” clarify, “I’ll go for a 30 min. walk with my bestie on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 7:30am.” (Accountability buddies can make all the difference in making your resolutions a reality)
Conceptualize your resolutions a la the SMART framework. You'll be much more likely to transform aspirations into realistic and achievable goals.
SMART Example: Get Fit!
Specific: I want to regularly workout at the gym.
Measurable: I will start by attending 2 classes per week and gradually increase the number of classes. I'll also schedule a free training session to learn about the equipment.
Achievable: I will check out 2-3 different classes per week to see what types of workouts suit me best.
Relevant: Improving my health and energy is a priority this year!
Time-Bound: I’ll follow this routine for three months and reassess my progress end of March.
SMART Resolution: “I’m going to the gym 2-3 times per week, taking different classes and testing equipment to find out what works best for me to improve my health over the next three months.”
*As a reward, you could schedule in monthly massages, acupuncture treatments and other healing supports.
Habit formation: Resolutions cannot rely on willpower alone, since willpower is susceptible to all kinds of influences. It's much easier to establish a new habit by pairing it with an existing routine. The approach of "habit stacking” sets you up for success because you already have a foundation in place to support your new goal. If one of your resolutions is to start meditating, for example, you could add a 5-minute timed meditation right after brushing your teeth each morning.
We're more likely to stay the course when we track our progress and continuously celebrate our wins (even small ones). Keep tabs in a journal, app, or create a simple checklist. Monitoring your efforts provides accountability and a sense of accomplishment. Studies show that success rates double with self-monitoring because doing so keeps goals top-of-mind. That's double!
If you’ve sworn off traditional New Year’s Resolutions or resolutions just don’t seem to work for you, perhaps it’s that a) fears or habits block your progress, and/or b) the way you’re resolving is at issue. To address fears and doubts, it is essential to identify negative thoughts and intentionally reframe them. It is especially helpful to create a positive affirmation in place of the negative one.
Building on the gym example given above, here's how to flip a negative script:
"I joined the gym last year and stopped going after a few months, what could possibly be different this time?"
Reframe:"I've learned what doesn’t work for me and what factors pull me off course. I'm now ready to create a routine that I can stick with. This time, I'm committed to showing up for myself one day at a time. I will remain aware of past habits and build-in the supports needed to keep me going."
Affirmation:"I'm capable of creating lasting change, and every small step I take brings me closer to my goals."
Recite the affirmation every day for at least 21 days and see what happens!
And now, to address b): If you find that traditional types of resolutions don't resonate in general, I hope that one of these alternates will better serve you to create a vision for the future that is both inspiring and attainable:
Annual Themes
Rather than focusing on specific goals, set a guiding theme for the year, like “Abundance,” “Balance,” or “Connection.” This flexible approach encourages creativity and a bigger picture perspective.
Heart-felt Wishes
Rather than focusing on the content of the goal, get into the emotions of how accomplishing different goals will feel. For example, rather than focusing on “write the first draft for my book,” the wish might be to relish the process of writing. Or, rather than “create new offerings for clients,” savor the process of working more authentically and enjoy how rewarding the work is.
Seasonal Check-ins
Create a different goal or area of growth for each season. For example, Winter might see a focus on cultivating Mindfulness & Self-Care, Spring might be about Getting Fit, Summer could be about Adventure & Trying New Things, and Fall could be geared towards Professional Development. Seasonal check-ins avoid burnout and keeps goals fresh.If you're already signed on for a new program or course, align your Seasonal Check-ins with that in mind.
Micro-Resolutions
Instead of committing to big, intimidating goals, focus on smaller, achievable shifts. Something as simple as drinking an extra glass of water daily, reducing caffeine intake or biking to work rather than driving can significantly impact your wellbeing over time. Srsly.
Monthly Evolutions
You could commit to a monthly review of what’s working and what’s not. This practice allows you to adapt and set new goals as your circumstances or priorities change, making resolutions more fluid and dynamic. Schedule a consistent day and time in your calendar each month. The last day or first day of the month is a natural time to reflect and reassess.
Please remember that kindness, patience and persistence all play important rolls in working towards our dreams. As with all things, anticipate setbacks. Progress not perfection: slips and stumbles are ultimately opportunities to learn more and different. They are not reasons to quit!
If you'd like help creating a vision for the future, sticking to your goals, committing to your health and wellbeing, creating a better work/live balance, healing longterm issues, transforming your life - to name a few ☺️, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can find me by text or phone at 917.519. 2432 and by email at britta@intuitivehealthhealing.com
🎊 Happy New Year! 🎊
“For last year's words belong to last year's language
And next year's words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning."
- T. S. Eliot
Comments