A New Way to Think About New Year’s Resolutions
Essential Takeaways:
- This year, consider trying something different from the grand new year’s resolution. Instead of vague, daunting resolutions, set intentions that are not just achievable but also a whole lot of fun.
- Break down each intention into smaller, more enjoyable and manageable steps that are easier to act on by attaching them to something you already do everyday.
- It's okay to reset and modify your intentions. Keep them flexible, and don't be afraid to tweak them monthly to keep them exciting and easily integrated into your daily routine.
New Year's Resolutions Ideas
New year's resolutions – we've all been there, right? Making those big promises to ourselves as the calendar flips, only to find them fading away as quickly as our holiday decorations. But what if we've been looking at resolutions all wrong? What if the secret isn't just in what we set out to do, but in how we think about them? This year, let's try something different. Instead of vague, daunting resolutions, let's set intentions that are not just achievable but also a whole lot of fun (and might just make them stick this time around)!
Goal Setting for the New Year
First things first, let's talk about reframing those resolutions. Instead of the usual “I must do this” mindset, how about thinking of them as intentions? This shift in perspective can make a world of difference. By setting intentions, we focus on what we genuinely want to achieve, making them not just tasks but enjoyable pursuits. Think about what you enjoy doing or something you’ve always wanted to learn.
Make Intentions Fun and Specific
Now, let's get specific. Vague goals are like trying to catch fog – pretty impossible. So, if your intention is to get healthier, break it down. Say you want to get fit – that's a great start, but let's narrow it down and make a more specific, actionable goal. How about aiming for a 15-minute walk after lunch a few times a week or a dance class twice a week? Even starting with a one minute movement break during your day can help you achieve your fitness goals. These small rituals are way easier to tackle and keep up with, and the clearer your goal, the easier it is to chase. Focus on activities that bring you joy and that you will actually have fun doing!
Habit Stacking for the Win
According to research a great way to find success with new intentions is to stack them onto existing routines. Attach your new intention to something you already do. Want to drink more water? Have a glass of water before you walk the dog or as you are fixing your morning cup of coffee. Attaching new routines onto existing ones helps the new one stick. It's all about making the new ritual fit seamlessly into your life. Whether it’s incorporating a healthy diet, improving fitness, having a smoother menstrual cycle, or managing stress, the key is to make these intentions a part of your daily routine.
New Year's Resolutions Motivation
Keeping up with your resolutions can be challenging, don’t beat yourself up. To keep the spark alive, remember your 'why'. Why did you set this intention? Maybe it's to feel more energized, to be able to play with your kids more, or to manage PCOS symptoms. Keeping this 'why' in mind fuels your motivation. Keep this reason close to your heart, and on those tough days, it'll give you that extra push.
You can also make a plan for those moments. Maybe it’s a motivational quote on your fridge, a buddy to check in with, or a journal to remind yourself of why you started.
Stay Flexible and Enjoy the Process
Remember, it’s okay to hit the reset button. If you notice your enthusiasm dipping, take a moment to reassess and modify your goal. It's not about sticking rigidly to a plan; it's about finding what works for you. Changing your intention monthly to ensure it’s specific, actionable, and enjoyable is not just okay – it's smart!
It's okay to reset and modify your goals. Keep them flexible, and don't be afraid to tweak them monthly to keep them exciting and manageable. If a particular diet or workout isn't working for you, switch it up. What matters is finding what's enjoyable and sustainable for you.
It’s All About Finding Balance
Maybe one of your intentions is to naturally support hormonal imbalances so you can feel like your best self, even on your period! This can seem like a daunting task, so take it slowly by integrating enjoyable rituals into your routine. You don’t need to make radical lifestyle changes to see progress. A few small, daily steps you can take to support hormone balance include:
- Eat one more serving of vegetables a day (bonus points for dark leafy greens)
- Start your day with a glass of room temperature lemon water
- Go for a daily walk after a meal
- Incorporate a daily one minute breathwork break
- Take the free Online Health Assessment to get your personalized Cycle Balance herbal formula that naturally supports healthy hormone balance
Small Steps Lead to Big Change
Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and the same goes for change. Those small daily rituals you take? They add up to big transformations over time. So, keep at it, and you'll be amazed at where you find yourself by the end of the year. Never underestimate the power of small daily rituals. These little steps add up and lead to those big, beautiful changes you’re aiming for.
This article was reviewed by Dr. Liem Le.
Dr. Liem Le is a Doctor of Chinese Medicine, Functional Medicine Practitioner, and Nutritionist Integrative Medicine Department at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center. He is a part of the teaching staff for the Masters program for the Functional Medicine and Human Nutrition program at University of Western States. Dr. Le is currently working on his fellowship in Integrative Medicine with the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine via a scholarship from the White House to complete the initiative.
