Make 2023 about you, and being the best you that you can be.
We’re going to let you into a secret: there is no need to go overboard with New Year’s resolutions.
Forget about “should”, “must”, “have to” and rewrite the script for 2023 towards positive messaging such as “I’d like to”, “I deserve”, “I am allowed to”.
It’s time to try something different – and we’re here to help with these six tips.
1. Start small
Don’t be too ambitious with your New Year goals, and keep them SMART: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely. This will make it more likely that you hit your target, which in turn will energise you to keep on in the right direction. For example, if you want to go “green”, start by replacing plastic straws with a reusable, metal straw. Take it step by step and reward yourself for each small uccess.
2. Buddy up
It’s easier to keep to your resolutions if you have a “buddy” who wants to develop the same habit, as they can help to keep you motivated – and accountable. For example, if you want to spend less time on social media or electronic devices, partner with someone who is trying to do the same. Check in regularly with each other for support and encouragement.
3. Have a plan
As the saying goes, when you fail to plan, you plan to fail so think of additional resources to help keep you on track. It may help to jot down actions and tasks that will help to move you towards your goal. Writing down your dreams will not magically make them happen but it does help to imprint them in your brain. Have a contingency plan to keep you on the right path when the going gets rocky.
4. Aim for progress, not perfection
No one is 100% perfect when they start something new so it’s wiser to aim for progress rather than perfection. For example, instead of deciding to go for a 5km run every day, start with a 15-minute walk three times a week and increase gradually from there.
5. Be patient
It generally takes up to six weeks to build a new habit so remain patient. Sometimes we just put ourselves under too much pressure to develop healthy habits. Ditch all sugar? Gym every morning? Your body and your mind may not be able to handle that much change while coping with everything else that hits us at the start of each year. Patience is an essential part of self-care as many major life goals take more than a year to accomplish and some may take many.
6. The power of “no”
Time is in short supply for everyone so how can you carve out more breathing space? For example, if you are in several busy WhatsApp groups, take a calm but hard look at which are really necessary. Leaving one or more may free up your time to be more present and less stressed in life.
Consider diarising one day each month where nothing goes on your calendar. Think of it as a mental health “duvet day” where you are allowed to just relax and do nothing except recharge your batteries.
Last but not least, figure out what fills your cup, and then make a conscious decision to do more of this. It may mean doing less rather than more – because this year is all about you!
Date Published: 13 January 2023
