It’s tradition. At the end of every year, we’ll rethink our lifestyles, and ourselves, and how we can improve. While some take this time for improvement as a joke, and others swear by their resolutions, but the process of picking the right one for you can be difficult. Of course, there are the standard resolutions – lose weight, eat healthier and improve our appearance – but there are some resolutions that have been methodically thought out, and more surprisingly, stuck to and completed. How do they do this? They persist, are patient and determined, but they also, most importantly, chose a resolution best suited to them. Here’s how to reevaluate your life, so you’re prepared to make a change this December – and complete the resolution.
Look Back to the Past
Consider all your old resolutions, and determine the root cause as to why they failed (if they failed), and how you can go about it now. Try not to select a resolution you’ve already tried; instead, find a new one that’s more exciting.
Also, look back and determine if there’s any parts of your life you wish you could do differently. Whether that’s heading back to school and enrolling in a Project and Program Management degrees from Brandeis University, or traveling the world, see if there are any regrets you have and if there’s a resolution to help you succeed. Your friends and family will be inspired by your almighty resolution.
Make Only One Resolution
There may be many little behaviors and traits you wish to change, however, keep from trying to adapt them all in one go. If you make too many resolutions, you’re at risk of becoming overwhelmed, or even forgetting one. Therefore, write a list of all the issues you’d like to address, and rank them in order of importance. Save the others for next year.
Be Inspired
You need to be passionate and inspired about the change you’re trying to make. There is no point in deciding you want to read as many classic novels as possible, if the classics do not interest you. Instead, adapt your resolution to ‘I want to read more often,’ and if you happen to try Jane Austen or the Bronte’s, it’s a happy coincidence.
You will also want to determine the correct way to complete your resolutions. If you want to lose weight, do not buy a gym membership if you hate the gym. Find the right exercise for you, otherwise you’re less likely to stick to your routine.
Make it Manageable
For a higher success rate, take the time to make your resolution as manageable as possible. You need to start mapping out your plan of action beforehand, so you shouldn’t leave it to the last minute. After deciding your resolution, break it into smaller steps and outline how the best course of action. Also make a list of obstacles that may make an appearance, and how you should overcome them.
Ask for Help
To be successful, you want to ensure you have a strong support system. By having the right people to help you, you’re more likely to succeed, and there’s nothing wrong with asking for help. If you want to lose weight, ask a friend to become a gym buddy. If you want to quit smoking, ask the help of a professional.