It’s that time of year when once again we feel the need to turn over a new leaf.
A time when we believe that the arrival of another year will provide the magical motivation we need to reinvent ourselves and become the perfect person we have always wanted to be.
Traditionally, New Year’s Day is seen as the time to kick start a new phase in your life by making New Year’s resolutions.
The reality is that the start of the year is also one of the worst times to make a major change in your habits because it’s often a busy, stressful time bang in the middle of the festive season.
This year don’t pledge to make huge changes that will be hard to keep and leave you feeling disappointed, but instead follow these simple steps that we believe will help you keep to your resolutions all year long.
Pick One Thing
You might want to change your life or your lifestyle but it is pretty impossible to do it all at once. Go for one area of your life and stick with that. If you’re successful with that then go ahead and make another change after a month or two. By making small changes one after another, you can still be the best you but it’s a much more realistic way of getting there.
Don’t pick a New Year’s resolution that’s bound to fail either, like running a marathon in three months if you get out of breath walking upstairs. Plan to start with walking, small jobs and graduate to running in short bursts, constant running by April and a Santa fun run at the end of the year.
Plan Ahead
If you really want to succeed when it comes to New Year’s resolutions it is a good idea to plan ahead rather than making a rash decision at a party you might regret the next day.
Whether you want to give up smoking, train in the gym, become a vegetarian or write book, find out exactly what is involved. Read books, research on the Internet, speak to friends and generally find out all you need to make the changes you want to see.
Plan for success so ask for new trainers for Christmas, do a vegan shop before New Year starts or buy nicotine patches so you really have no excuses not to start on the right foot.
Pre-empt Problems
Things migh not be easy and there might be problems along the way so make a list of what they could be.
If you are planning to stop drinking alcohol in the week, schedule gym visits rather than going to the pub with colleagues.
Once you’ve identified when tricky times will occur, work out coping mechanisms and these should help you feel prepared and equipped to deal with most things that challenge you.
When to Start
Whilst many people think they have to make their changes on 1st January, this isn’t always the case.
You can go for tradition if you want to but also consider picking a day when you will feel rested and relaxed and in a positive frame of mind. If you are serous about making changes then find a time that works for you and take on your challenge with enthusiasm and determination.
Give 100%
When you do start, really go for it with total commitment. One fantastic way to keep on track is to use one phrase that you post on your mirror, fridge and carry in your bag. Whether it is I am a non-smoker, I am committed to eating clean or I enjoy yoga on daily basis, find something that reasonates with you and keep up the phrase where you can see it during the day.
Tell Others
We don’t mean place an advert in the local paper but it is a good idea to let family and friends know your intentions so they can support you and look out for you. If you are eating more fruit and vegetables they can plan for when you eat together and if you are getting more exercise maybe take a walk together rather than going out for tea and cake.
There Will be Blips
Let’s face it, no one is super human. If you miss a gym session or you have a glass of wine on Monday, don’t go into meltdown. Work out what triggers these blips and learn to avoid these situations. Maybe getting up half an hour earlier will give you time to have a swim or packing lunches the night before will allow you to keep calm in the morning rush.
Reward Yourself
Having little treats and rewards will keep you going. Maybe going for a cup of tea with a friend, buying your favourite magazine or having a massage once a week as a way of recognising how far you have come. You are working hard to make positive changes so give yourself a break because you’ll have earned it.
Whatever your goals are for 2016 go for it and make it the best ever.
Last updated on 04/01/2016.