11 Insightful Tips for YOUR BEST NEW YEAR

As the holiday season comes to a close, we often consider making resolutions for the New Year ahead. Although intentions are good, sadly, many resolutions are abandoned within the first few weeks of January. Here are 11 insightful tips for making those resolutions AND for keeping them.

1. Re-charge your batteries

 

After the holiday hustle and bustle, many of us are simply exhausted. Trying to implement a challenging list of resolutions may be difficult if not impossible when personal batteries are in desperate need of re-charging. Consider making resolutions in January, but don’t attempt to start implementing them until February.

2. Clear your physical clutter

 

 

Another impediment to clear thinking and goal achievement is clutter. Take the time to clear out a special dedicated place (e.g. office, living room) within which you may focus on goals for the New Year.

3. Start on a positive, reflective note

 

 

Before you begin making your resolution list, take inventory of the things you’ve already achieved and feel good about. For me, a year-in-review exercise helps me to realize that I’ve already accomplished some good things and it helps motivate me to take on new challenges (see Step 10 in 11 Easy Tips for a Stress Free Christmas).

4. Clear your emotional clutter

 

 

Trying to get rid of ‘emotional clutter’ can be a time-consuming process. Many of us are holding onto feelings of anger, guilt, jealousy or other energy-zapping emotions that are literally standing in the way of a happier, more productive life. Perhaps one of the best New Year’s resolutions is seeking assistance in clearing emotional clutter.

However, if psychotherapy seems too daunting an exercise, for now, simply focus on incorporating more of the things (and people) into your daily life that truly make you happy; and eliminating/reducing exposure to the things (and people) that don’t.

5. Include a Confidence Builder

 

 

Make sure your resolution list includes at least one confidence-builder. Oftentimes, it isn’t the lack of ability that prevents us from achieving our goals. It is the lack of self-confidence. Invest time in something (or someone) that inherently makes you feel good about yourself.

6. Include a Community Builder

 

 

Make sure your resolution list includes at least one community-builder. As humans, we have an intrinsic need to connect with others. Continuing to build upon one’s personal network is always a good investment. I would like to emphasize, however, that as much as I value the connections made with my online friends, I believe that in-person connections are critical to a healthy sense of community.

7. Adhere to an Oxygen Mask philosophy

 

When making personal resolutions, it is important to prioritize (and schedule) them into your daily routine. So often, we allow the needs of others to interfere with our own personal goals. You deserve to prioritize your own ‘oxygen needs’, and ironically, by doing so, you are often in a much better position to help those around you.

8. Make sure resolutions are S-M-A-R-T

 

 

Don’t overwhelm yourself with a resolution list that is too aggressive, or goals that are unrealistic. The best goals are those that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant (to you), and Timely (that is, with a defined timeframe).

I recommend setting a maximum of 3-4 goals, broken down into small attainable, measurable steps. Schedule these goals over the course of the year, focusing on one goal per quarter.

9. Schedule new routines alongside well-established routines

 

When attempting to implement a new goal or routine, try to schedule it alongside something you already ordinarily do. For example, if getting more exercise is one of your goals, take a couple laps around the block before your daily stop at the mailbox; or take the office stairs (instead of the elevator) after your daily lunch break.

10. Expect setbacks, then push through them

 

If at first you don’t succeed…don’t beat yourself up. Minor setbacks are a part of life. It is the way we handle them that defines us. Just press the re-set button, and try again.

11. Focus on progress, not perfection

 

As a self-proclaimed perfectionist, this has been a really difficult but critical life lesson for me: The goal is progress, not perfection! Don’t wait for the perfect time, the perfect plan, or the perfect set of circumstances. Small steps will eventually turn into bigger steps. Momentum will help to keep your personal battery charged. And adjustments to your plan can always be made along the way.

Make this YOUR BEST NEW YEAR, one step at a time!!

 

In Closing…

If you have any other tips for making (and keeping) those often elusive New Year’s Resolutions, I would certainly love to hear about them. Connect with me and let me know!

sincerelykayparent