A new year, a new me

A new year, a new me
goede-voornemens

Hands up if you’ve ever made a new year’s resolution that you didn’t manage to stick to? Yep! That’s just about everyone! In recent years I’ve even given up making any new resolutions because I knew I would never see them through. The thing is however, that new year is a time for new beginnings. Warmer weather and lighter days are on their way and it feels like we can make a fresh start. It’s such a positive thing to do and hope springs eternal, so why not commit yourself to a change this year? Here’s our tips on how to stick to your new year’s resolutions.

1. Make one resolution

If you try to make too many resolutions at once you’ll never stick to them, so channel your energy into just one area that you want to change.

2. Is that the right resolution for you?

What do you actually want out of life? If you want to lose weight because the media says you should, that’s the wrong reason. Far better to consider what will make you happy in the long run and go with that.

3. Set small goals that you can achieve

Rather than aiming to lose half your body weight by the time you go on holiday in the summer, it’s much better – and healthier – if you decide you would like to lose a few pounds in January, and a few more in February and so on. Set yourself some small goals that you can achieve. Starving yourself won’t help. So apply yourself to thinking of ways in which you can eat more healthily and take more exercise. Small goals can include walking for 30 minutes three times a week, or going to a Pilates class, as well as cutting out chocolate on three days, or always grilling your food, never frying it.

This can apply to any area. If you want to declutter your house for example, choose a room to do in the first few weeks, and take it from there. If you want to write a novel, write 500 words per day, three days a week. Lifestyle change is the key to success.

4. Positive mental attitude

Some lifestyle changes (like dieting or exercise) may well feel like a punishment. Stop thinking that way. If you enjoy swimming, surely heading to the pool three times a week is a treat? Eating a yoghurt instead of a heavy pudding is light and satisfying. If you ‘fall off the wagon’ that’s fine, get back on it as soon as you can.

5. Perfectly imperfect

Understand that we are all different and perfection is unattainable. Celebrate who you are as an individual. Focus on the great things you bring to the table.

6. Seek support

Your resolution should not be a secret. The more you share it and talk about your goal with others, the more likely you are to achieve your desired outcome. Friends and family can be there to support you when you feel you aren’t doing as well as you would have liked. Even better, buddy up with someone who wants to do the same thing as you. If your resolution is particularly tricky you might need some professional support so don’t shy away from asking for it.

7. Plan it

The more you intellectualise what you want to do, the more likely you will be to stick to it. Read up on what you want to do. Who can you draw on for inspiration? Use a journal to record your progress, or make yourself a chart or spreadsheet that you can use as a visual prompt. Revisit these when you feel your resolve is failing.

8. Stick to It

It has been said that a new activity takes three weeks to become a habit and six months to fully become part of your personality. Unfortunately, it won’t happen overnight – so make sure you’ve in it for the long game. If you find you have given up, recommit yourself and do another week’s worth. Keep recommitting. There will be problems but it’s a measure of your strength how you surmount them.

9. Reward Yourself

At regular intervals, why not reward yourself if you are meeting your goals? This could be buying new clothing if you’ve lost weight, or treating yourself to a spa day or massage if you’ve been working hard.

10. Go for it

Pick a day to start your new resolution (not January 1st!) and go for it 100%. Look forward to the moment you begin and embrace the change wholeheartedly. This is the start of something big. A new year, a new you!


Marie Pure

Other articles


Why a life without stress and obstacles is unrewarding

Why a life without stress and obstacles is unrewarding

Stress can be both good and bad; it’s up to you how you look at it. But too much stress can be dangerous. Read more about stress in this article!

Read the complete article

Why it's never too late to change

Why it's never too late to change

People always think: that’s just me. I'm not good at 'X', that is just my character. Here are some reasons why it's never too late to change.

Read the complete article

Why not me

Why not me?

It's natural to compare our own lives with those of others - weighing up the pros and cons of situations helps us make decisions. But there can be a downside when you find you're constantly comparing yourself with others, envying their seemingly perfect lives and wondering why they are luckier, more prosperous, and better looking than you.

Read the complete article

How to stop everything going wrong

How to stop everything going wrong

Do you always feel that everything’s always going wrong? Find out how to stop this cycle of bad thoughts in its tracks. When you think positively, things will start to appear positive and you will eventually feel more positive and optimistic.

Read the complete article

How to be less judgemental of others (and yourself!)

How to be less judgemental of others (and yourself!)

Do you feel you’re always criticising and judging everyone, yourself included? Do you feel bad about it afterwards? You’re certainly not alone! Read on to discover how you can judge less and start to accept things the way they are.

Read the complete article

Stop procrastinating right now and do something!

Stop procrastinating right now and do something!

Read some tips to get the challenge you're thinking about out of the way. Now is the time to do something, you can start right now. Read on to know more!

Read the complete article

Six things we think will make us happy, but don't!

Six things we think will make us happy, but don't!

When you think about things that will make you happy, what are the images that come to mind? Wealth, beauty, a dream house, long holidays, a top of the range car? Happiness is not a constant and how happy we feel depends on the way we choose to live our lives. 

Read the complete article

Do you expect too much from others

Do you expect too much from others?

Do you expect more from others than they are prepared to give? Signs that you may be asking too much - and how to break the pattern.

Read the complete article

7 Reasons Why Your Child is Underperforming

7 Reasons Why Your Child is Underperforming

As parents, we often worry about a poor school report as much, if not more, as our kids do! And if your child's grades are slipping, you'll be looking for reasons and if there's anything you can do to help.

Read the complete article

What makes it so hard to go back to work

What makes it so hard to go back to work?

Millions of people furloughed for months are now being recalled to work. Others, who have been working from home throughout the lockdown, are returning to the office. And some jobs have simply disappeared: many people are facing redundancy and will soon have to cope with job hunting. Going back to work after an unprecedented length of time at home is quite a challenge.

Read the complete article

Free personal advice for your problem?

Are you unsure which Bach flowers can help you? Contact Tom for free advice.

tom vermeersch
Tom Vermeersch

Yes, I want free advice

No thanks, I will do my own research