The new year is almost here, and you have big goals to accomplish! Whether your resolution is getting in shape, reading more or using your time wisely, this definitive guide will help you stick to it.
Set yourself up for success
You’re more likely to keep a positive resolution than a restrictive one (i.e. “I will eat an extra service of fruits and veggies every day” over “I will never eat chocolate again.”), reported an article in Time magazine. Also important is to have a support system in place for success. With an environment that supports your behavior and by surrounding yourself with supportive friends and relatives, your chances increase to achieve your goals, the article explains.
Commit to positive mornings
The way we live our mornings is the way we’ll experience our days—and life, says Kristi Ling, author of the book Operation Happiness. “Start each day off with healthy habits and a positive outlook and you’ll notice a big difference in your overall level of happiness,” Ling says. Her recommendations include starting the day with uplifting reading or podcasts (check out Waking Up With Ryan), fueling your body with healthy food and hydration, and trying an inspiring practice such as a five-minute meditation, or 60-seconds of deep breathing. “Positive mornings are part of the foundation for sustainable happiness,” says Ling.
Go easier on yourself
Make a resolution to be as kind and gentle with yourself as possible. “We tend to be extremely hard on ourselves on so many levels, which can hold us back from experiencing all the happiness we deserve,” Ling says. “Make a habit of speaking about (and thinking about) yourself the way you’d speak about someone you respect and love dearly. It takes practice, but once you’ve got it down, you’ll notice a huge positive shift.” Are you a judgmental person?
Embrace a happiness mindset
Scott Wilhite, creator of the Feed Your Happy app, and author of The 7 Core Skills of Everyday Happiness: Scientifically Proven Skills for a Happier, More Meaningful Life, suggests creating a year of fortunate moments. “Develop a habit of recognizing what’s going right in your life,” he says. “Keep a stack of notecards or strips of paper in the kitchen where each day you can write something fortunate that happened that day. This will develop healthy thought patterns of looking for and expecting good things to happen.” Wilhite suggests to store all the moments in a clear, plastic box or jar, and then at the close of the year enjoy an end-of-the-year review party as you read through your tiny triumphs. “Positive moments add up,” he adds.
Commit to your wellness and fitness
Setting challenging, obtainable goals, and be specific with time limits, says Cindy Wasilewski, fitness manager at The Lodge at Woodloch, a destination spa resort in Hawley, Pennsylvania. “Track your progress,” she says. “Find the best time or group fitness class that fits your schedule. You’ll meet a network of people that have similar fitness routines and the same workout schedule. The more the merrier.” Another tip, while you exercise listen to music that motivates you. “Dancing is a great way to express yourself, get active,” Wasilewski says.
