Why I No Longer Believe In New Year’s Resolutions
With the new year just a few moments away, everyone is sharing their resolutions--making it known who and what baggage they won’t be bringing with them.
The new year makes us feel boundless. So we set long-term and short-term goals like losing 20 pounds, getting all A’s, finding a new job, or having a large amount of money saved.
A new year isn’t going to make these goals any more easier to achieve. It is also important to note that you don’t have to wait until a new year to work towards a new goal.
I’ve been guilty of falling into the trap of setting resolutions and then faulting myself whenever I fall short. This is why a majority of people’s new year’s resolutions don’t last.
It is important that during this experimental time period that we learn to be present. Congratulate yourself for even signing up for that gym membership. Don’t sulk because you have yet to execute doing 3 reps of 10 push-ups. With consistency, you’ll get there one day. But for now, this is your reality and you’re more likely to actually achieve your goals when you have this positive mindset.
Expectations cause stress and anxiety. You begin to guilt yourself if/when you miss the mark.
Obsessing is not a proactive practice.
Be realistic in your goals and set smaller, more personal goals.
Allow for error and make room for slip-ups. They’re bound to happen. Appreciate those errors as they are lessons that aid to your story.