Three Alternatives to Traditional New Year’s Resolutions

At the end of each year, typically on New Year’s Eve, individuals make a grandiose declaration of a single monumental change that they would like to make for the New Year. However, many do not stand by or fulfill their new year’s resolution. In fact, by the end of January about 40% have entirely given up and gone back to their old ways. By June, half have completely forgotten that they even made a New Year’s Resolution. Then by years’ end, less than a quarter will have achieved their goal. Good news is you’re not alone. Unfortunately, many aspirations fall short, because they are just not realistic. So, instead of making an overly ambitious resolution – let’s start the New Year a bit different this time around. Here are there alternatives to a traditional new year’s resolution.

 

Tip One: Change One Small Thing Each Month

Sometimes creating one big goal can creative negativity and stress – ultimately hinder your progress. So, rather than focusing on that one big goal - focus on bite-sized goals. Choose one area of your life that you would like to focus on each month and then choose one actionable thing within each area. For example, you could choose to work on being better organized for one month and your one item is to make your bed each morning. At the end of the month, you will have created a feeling of accomplishment, success and created a healthy habit. If you do this each month for twelve months, then in just a single year you can essentially build a new you.

 

Tip Two: Create a Bucket List

Instead of focusing on finding that one item to change this year, spend the same time around New Years writing down all the accomplishments or adventures you would like to achieve during the New Year. Include an array of items from serious to fun. Place it in a spot where you can be easily reminded such as your refrigerator. Make it open by not creating any timelines or deadlines against them. As the year progresses revisit the bucket list from time to time. Fit them into your schedule and throughout the year. Invite family and friends to share your bucket list with you. At the end of the year you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how many items you checked off your bucket list, how much you actually accomplished and you be able to reflect positively on your adventures and experiences throughout the year.

 

Tip Three. Choose a Guiding Word

Simply choose one action word that comes from your heart that you want people around you to see in you. Give. Gratitude. Compassion. Choose what you feel inside of you and using that word as your guidepost, your lighthouse, your GPS throughout the year. Reflect on your guiding word and use it to inspire your actions, your words and your choices. Chances are, by the end of the year you will be able to reflect on all the positive you brought into the world. In your own life and in the lives of those around you.

 

So if you’ve been dreading the New Year because you don’t want to make another resolution, start 2021 on a new path with one of these alternatives and see what positive direction the years ahead brings for you!