2017 is almost over, and with it comes a mix of dread and excitement for the new year. With each new year, comes a new set of goals and visions that you may make, but rarely fulfill. Having a vision and an idea of which direction you want your life to take is really important. It doesn’t have to be specific, but it helps you to make better decisions and enjoy life more consistently. No-one likes the guilt that comes with forgotten yearly resolutions.
Here are 5 easy steps to setting yourself better new year’s resolutions and starting your year on a high.
Step one: Create a vision board
Often people see new year’s resolutions as a strict set of numbered goals that are to be ticked off like a checklist. This is not always the case. Life is rarely as methodical and organised as words on a page. Sometimes, seeing the life you dream of in front of you can be, not only inspiring, but transformational. Cut out images from magazines, write out your favourite quotes, or print pictures to encapsulate your dreams. Not only is it a fun thing to do before the start of a new year, but it relieves the stress that comes with lofty and overly constrictive yearly goals.
Step two: Communicate and Collaborate
The struggle of setting and following through with your resolution can often be lonely and downright depressing. However, setting goals or visions with a friend, family member or partner can not only help with motivation but will also hold you accountable to your commitments. You can enrol in a weekly spin class with your friend from work or make weekly date nights compulsory to stop yourself from feeling trapped by goals that you have to pursue alone. This way both of you can keep each other motivated and feel like you are achieving something together.
Step three: Actions rather than goals
You can start the new year with intense positivity and inspiration, creating lofty and broad goals for yourself. Not only does this make resolutions unachievable, but they lack action-orientation. We can sometimes get lost in huge goals like ‘getting fit’ or ‘being happier’. Instead, set out a list of actions to take by the end of the year. For example, instead of making the resolution of ‘being more relaxed’, set aside time every week for a yoga class, or just some alone time at a café. Build the goals into your routine and this will make them less scary and daunting. This way, your whole year is spent incrementally moving towards your goals without having to put pressure on yourself.
Step four: Do something
In the end, no matter how aesthetic your vision board is or how committed you and your friend are to that spin class, without a real dedication to action, you can’t expect results. Take advantage of the new year spirit and really dive into your dream from day one. Taking that first step to change is often the hardest as you are full of uncertainty and apprehension, but in the end, you know you’ll thank yourself for it. Aside from having a dedication to your resolutions, have a dedication to yourself. Know that each step you take to achieving these goals is a step towards a better and happier you. Spend that time on developing yourself and giving yourself the best chance at getting the life you dream about.
Step five: You’ve got this
Finally, know you’ve got what it takes. It’ll take hard work and a bit of grit, but in the end, you’ve got to be your own hero. Don’t let anything or anyone discourage you because, in the end, you have to achieve these goals for yourself. So, are you ready to take charge of the new year and make it yours?
If you liked this, then don’t forget to check out Blisspot’s 100 ideas for New Years Resolutions.
