Why it is more important than ever to set New Year’s resolutions?

According to CBSnews, the number of Americans making New Year’s resolutions has declined in the last 2 years from 43% in 2021, to merely 29% this year!

Why? Like everything, blame it on the pandemic! The uncertainty of the current situation on our livelihoods, travel and health and other things has discouraged many Americans to plan for the next 12 months, as the feeling of helplessness and lack of control take over. No one wants to commit to something that is so turbulent, after all, what’s the point? The question is, does this lack of goal setting pave the way for much deeper issues? The lack of certainty and willingness to commit to our goals also implies and exacerbates the feeling of despair and hopelessness. It’s as if we have thrown in the towel and said, “I’m not playing anymore!” This collective thought pattern has an impact on the greater wellbeing of our society and sets us back. Arguably, this year is even more important than past years to get back on track and successfully goal set. It can provide the positive focus and mindset to prevail in even the most uncertain times. The key is in setting achievable resolutions that are focused on areas of our life we really can make an impact and are in full control of, such as our wellbeing and happiness. This in turn can affect all areas of our life. How do we set these resolutions? Here are 4 key tools:

1. Make your goals specific and positive

If your goals are vague then you cannot target them and you will soon tire of them. Ensure your goals are positive. For example, rather than a goal of losing 10lbs, focus on making the goal about eating healthy wholefoods and nurturing your body. This puts your mind in a much more productive frame of mind with the power of positive communication. Afterall, 10lbs of fat v 10lbs of water weight looks very different. Be specific and keep the focus positive.

2. Be clear on why you want to achieve something — this provides motivation.

Why do you want to achieve this? What impact will this have on your life? How can it really change all aspects of your life, e.g., health, spirit, finances, family etc. Really dig deep and find out why this is such a needle mover? This can provide you with the momentum to really bring out the change you desire. What if you are in the same place next year? How will you feel? Does change need to happen and happen now. There needs to be a sense of urgency and has to be done now.

3. Consistently analyze progress — small wins amount to huge change!

A really good way to monitor your progress is to write your wins down daily in a journal. This provides consistency and keeps the goals current, so they don’t fall by the wayside. It also keeps you accountable and allows you monitor your progress. Remember, it is small consistent steps that progress to huge life change.

4. Lack of belief and momentum

This ties in with the why. If you have a convicting reason why to do something because it is going to improve your life considerably then this will provide momentum. Momentum is great at the start but fades if you don’t truly believe you can do it. If something has failed in the past you may use words like, “I hope this time it will be different!” You are already setting yourself up to fail by using language like this. Hope is not definitive and allows for failure. Instead using empowering words that don’t allow anything but success, such as, “I must make these changes in order to be there for my kids!” This is a command and doesn’t allow your mind to make any excuses.

If you haven’t already, it’s not too late to set your intention for the year. If you do it right, this may be the year of positive change.