Achievable new year’s resolutions seem to be a myth or maybe they are just too hard to stick to so, why bother. It is possible to dream, plan and then stick to the resolution. Why not? Let’s do this! I believe we can.
new resolutions happen all the time
There are so many situations that we face daily that bring us to making a new plan or a new resolution. It happens to us all of the time in so many life situations.
It can be one or any of the following. When we look at this we can see that if we try something afresh in the new year, that is fine because we are well-practiced in the concept. Let’s have a look. We all do this all of the time.
- new diet or way of eating
- new plan to exercise
- new job
- new baby
- new …
when do new resolutions happen
The new job or the new baby are two common things that happen to us in life. Then the dreaming and planning start. Every day a new plan is made up. It often depends on a review from the boss or a promotion, things may need to change. When a new baby arrives, changes need to happen.
Preparation and thinking time needs to go into it to make it successful. We usually have 9 months to prepare for the baby and yet when the baby arrives, we continually readjust the resolutions that we made when the baby was not there yet. The time it takes to become part of our routine differs and grows. We need to learn to build on small foundations and small wins.
When I plan to change the way I am eating or when I want to get back on track with my fitness, I know that some thought and planning must go into it first. I want to set myself up for success and you can get there too. Take the time to think it through. And then do it. Maybe today is the day for you to start.
good things to know
Key things to know and to always keep in mind because these things challenge us daily. They also affect whether we ever feel successful with maintaining achievable new year’s resolutions or a new fitness resolution.
But remember.
Get it right, first for 1 day.
Then, soon it will be a week or 2 or 3.
It is absolutely fine to restart on a daily basis as you are trying to navigate the reality of your decision. Did you overshoot your expectation? Planning too much too soon is a common problem for most of us.
When you or I have gained this success after one week, then two weeks doesn’t seem too lofty.
Take it further than one month and when you are able to do it consecutively for three months, then it will become part of your routine and life.
achievable new year’s resolutions or other resolutions
Achievable new year’s resolutions or other resolutions need also to realize a couple of things.
- planning is easy, doing is difficult
- sickness or injury will slow this down or pause the resolution
- there is always a way back
- failure is so difficult to deal with
- success feels great
When I plan a new way of eating, I have great ideas about how fast I can run if I lose 5kgs and how quickly I’ll get there. And then there is that birthday party invite and it ALL falls away! NO! STOP. It’s only one birthday party, I do not have to try every piece of cake or dessert. I will not offend the host. After the birthday party, I just go back to the plan. Easy, right? No, this is what makes it so difficult. When we cannot ‘tow-the-line’ or keep the course then we think we have failed.
I say to you and I say to me. It is okay to achieve our/my new year’s resolutions and my health and fitness resolutions and I CAN RESTART EVERY SINGLE DAY. It will eventually become a full week and then a month and then it will fit into my life routine.
There are a million graces and ways to get there, I know – I have tried.
trying out something new
This is such unfamiliar territory, it is fun and it can also be a little crazy, right?
I’m going for triathlons in my fifties. It’s super slow progress but I am learning and growing and am constantly having to reaccess and reevaluate. I know what you are going through.
Break your dream down.
Make sure it is realistic and real for you. Yes, you can start something totally new in your fifties. Go for it. I am with you.
This is how to break it down.
- look at what you have done up to now
- establish a clear start
- look at what you want to achieve
- what will it take to get there
- what must you/I learn
- break it up into bite sized pieces
- then, just start – do it
success just for you
You are the only person who can do this for yourself. Talk to your family and loved ones. Tell them what you need or don’t need from them. Be real, be honest and be kind.
REMEMBER – you will not always feel like doing what you have set out to do. Just do it anyway.
I know that for myself going for a run, cycle or swim regularity is not what I always feel like doing. I have dreams and plans but the hard JUST DO IT challenges me ALL THE TIME. I overcome this by saying to myself, I’ll just put on my sports clothes and just get out of the door. If I only manage to go for a walk around the block then I will be happy.
It even gets tougher sometimes. The reality is – that sometimes I tell myself to just put on my running shoes and take it from there. SO OFTEN, that is all I need to actually get what I have set out to do.
In your job, you may have resolved to always clear your inbox or completed your filing on a Friday afternoon. For you it may be, let me open up the emails and just clear away two. But on a Friday, promise yourself that you will always sit for 5min to start. That act will lead you towards success as you build consistency.
resolutions and dreams are possible
It can be challenging, that is true.
The rewards, the fun, and the journey are what keep me going. I commit. I sign up and pay for the race, this is what helps me stay accountable to myself, my bank account, and my family.
Accomplishing your dreams really does encourage those around you – it gives them the hope that an ordinary person like you can do it, then so can they.
Join in. Do it. Maybe I’ll see you out there too. Remember, have fun too.
pin it for later
