Once the new year hits we all get a little carried away with HUGE plans to do this, do that and make some changes to our lives.
However, if we are being totally honest, we don’t always follow through with these plans, do we? It’s not that we want to fail or that we don’t have the best interests at heart, but we strive to do too much and then feel bad for not getting everything done that we need to.
It’s not the best way to start a year – feeling like you’ll achieve nothing. So we have some tips on how to make a plan you’ll stick to so it can be ‘new year, new you!’
Be honest with yourself.
If you aren’t going to go to the gym every day then why you would make that resolution? Being honest with yourself will mean you can do better without ending up feeling terrible about yourself.
Decide on a goal and try to keep to it but be realistic with your expectations. If you want to join the gym, then do it but know that you may only be able to go once or twice a week instead of every day, and that’s ok.
Be gentle with yourself.
Often we can look to the New Year with a fresh eye, but we tend to be hard on ourselves and put ourselves down for not doing things last year. Don’t start the new year like that and promise to be kinder to yourself.
Sure, you may not have got done what you wanted to last year but that doesn’t mean anything - now is the time to look at new opportunities, not old ones! Berating yourself before you start is not a good idea.
Pick a time and day that suits you.
Making changes is never easy and if you are set on making some then make sure you do it on a day or time that suits. None of this January 1st nonsense as honestly, the kids are still off and it’s holiday time still.
So, take the time to enjoy that and look at your starting point while planning for the new you. There is no point starting a new wave of healthiness if you are going to be struggling as the kids are still around.
Get what you need.
If you are planning on writing a book, you may need some notebooks and a laptop to write with. If you are planning to get fit, you may need to invest in some new gear and if you are chasing a new job you may need to upskill in your own time.
Whatever it is that you want the "new year, new you" to be, get the bits you need and don’t feel guilty for investing in yourself. This will be the best money you have ever spent as you are worth it.
Keep going.
It’s not always easy but you can persevere by keeping a diary, using apps to track your success and asking people to support you. Throwing in the towel is too easy and it is the people who are striving for the new year, new you ideal that will keep going and chase what they want.
Good luck!