As we are more than two months into 2023, how are your new year's resolutions going? It’s easy to get caught up in the old routines of 2022, but it’s never too late to get back on your intended track and refocus on your resolutions. Here are four tips that can help;
1. Stay motivated
It’s easy to make resolutions and goals for ourselves, but the execution is usually quite a bit more complicated. After dragging yourself to the gym for 6am or the additional grocery store trips to make new recipes these past few weeks, it may be hard to stay motivated or inspired. We all wrote down our resolutions, but have we written down why we made them? It’s important to remind ourselves exactly why we made these resolutions. Think about (or write a list to keep handy) what achieving your goal looks like and what it means to you. Finding sources of inspiration can keep you going when times get tough. Consider researching influential people, books or stories- or even following positive accounts related to your resolutions on social media to boost your daily motivation.
2. Support system
Maintaining your resolutions can be very hard- especially when you’re alone. Telling someone or a group of people about your resolutions and having them there to help support and check-in on you is a huge help when it comes to the success of your resolutions.
3. Make your resolutions more attainable/ measurable
Feel like your resolution is hard to maintain or measure? Try breaking your resolution into smaller, measurable steps to make it easier. Made a resolution to be healthier? Try breaking it down into daily goals to drink 8-10 glasses of water or eat a salad every day. If you made a resolution for a fitness goal, try breaking it down to moving your body for 30 minutes per day. If you’re trying to practice more self-care this year, try committing to journaling, a bath or meditation for at least 30 minutes a day. By breaking down our resolutions into smaller ones, we can feel good about accomplishing steps which help us complete our larger resolution goals.
4. Give yourself time
Good things take time- and our resolutions are no exception. Did you know that according to a 2009 study published in the European Journal of Social Psychology, it takes an average of 66 days for a new behavior to become automatic? We’re roughly a month into 2023, so if you feel like you’re already struggling with maintaining your resolutions, rest assured that the road will get easier. Showing up for your resolutions and the daily repetition will create a routine in no time- you’ve got this!