How to choose New Year's resolutions and achieve them

Do you make resolutions at the start of the new year? A lot of people do – it seems like New Year’s and resolutions go hand in hand. But despite it being a popular practice, it’s also common for resolutions to fall by the wayside within weeks of being set.

And there’s no judgement or criticism here! Like you, I’ve set resolutions only to drop them because they seemed too hard, I didn’t have the energy or in the busyness of life, they simply fell off my radar.

But each year, we repeat the process of making resolutions. and more often than not, they are the same ones we’ve made for years. Then for *added interest* we throw in a new one, something our friends or a social media influencer has chosen. (Well, they’ve chosen it, so it must be a good idea, right?!)

According to research, more than 80% of resolutions will have fallen by the wayside come the 1st of February. Our enthusiasm for making this THE year where we finally follow through dwindles (again). And it’s about now that the self-beat-up cycle kicks in.

We tell ourselves we’re not good enough. We’re just not lucky like others and we just need to put up with life as it is. But… you’re smart and capable, so you’re probably questioning what’s going on, right?

You’ve been successful in other areas of your life, there have been many achievements, so why do resolutions seem out of reach?

It’s possible for you to fulfill your resolutions but like most things in life, it won’t just happen and if you follow common practice, you’re unlikely to be successful.

What is a resolution?

Firstly, let’s clear up any confusion about what a resolution is. Because it’s a term that gets misused a lot and it’s often used interchangeably with “goals” but they’re not the same thing.

When you resolve to be or do something, you’re making a commitment.

For example, you resolve to be healthier. It’s a specific statement committing to being healthier, but it doesn’t say what you’ll do or by when. And that’s exactly how it should be because resolutions are just that - a resolve to be or do something.

Now knowing what a resolution is (and what it isn’t), what will you resolve this year?

Choosing a resolution that’s right for you

There are plenty of resolutions you could choose but not all will be right for you. And that doesn’t make them ‘bad’, it simply means they’re not the best choice for you.

The best resolutions will align with who you are, what you value, and how you want to live.

You’ll have clarity about how it adds value to your life and why it’s important to you.

Resolving to do something simply because you think you should or you feel pressured to, isn’t helpful. You’re unlikely to feel motivated to work towards it and you probably won’t prioritise the actions needed either.

But that doesn’t stop us from doing it (again). Striving for a resolution that isn’t right for you, will lead you down a path strewn with frustration, disappointment, and a whole pile of pressure and stress.

Choose a resolution that’s right for you!

3 key actions to make your resolution a reality

There are three key actions to take once you’ve chosen your resolution.

Write it down.

A resolution left running around in your head with the other 60,000 thoughts you have each day is sure to morph or get lost. By writing the resolution down in your Live Well Life Planner, a journal or notebook, you’ll have clarity about what it is. And as you write it down, state it as if it’s true now. So instead of “I will be healthy”, write “I am healthy”.

Read it.

Each day there are a lot of demands and distractions that can grab for your attention. Read your resolution one to two times a day so it’s front of mind. Every time you do that, you’re strengthening the neural pathway associated with your desire to create change in your life.

Be it.

Imagine yourself having followed through on your resolution. If it was to be healthier, imagine being a healthy person (whatever that looks like to you). Visualisation is a powerful tool and has been used for centuries to help people achieve success.

Choosing a resolution that’s right for you is the first key step. Write it down. Read it. Be it. Then set goals and follow through with action that helps you create the change you desire.