Today’s question comes from a busy professional:
I can’t seem to stay motive past a few weeks on my New Year’s Resolutions. How can I stay motivated in my New Year’s Resolutions?
You are not alone. Although many of us make resolutions, only 10% of us actually keep them.
Some of the lies we tell ourselves are:
- I never follow-through with my resolutions, so why even start?
- I’ll start it after I get XXX done. I don’t have time/money/space right now.
- It won’t make any difference.
- The resolutions were unrealistic, to begin with.
- It’s too expensive.
Let’s look at some of the reasons behind these sabotaging self-talk.
Lack of Confidence
Because you have failed in the past, you may no longer believe in yourself. That’s why it’s important to have a plan of action.
“The best resolutions are those that actually include a plan of action,” says hypnotist Michael Ellner.
And if you are someone who has a higher success rate when you have outside support, “then get a buddy,” says success coach Amy Applebaum. “This creates accountability, which is essential for success.”
Being too hard on yourself
Whether you get discouraged or simply lose interest, giving up too easily is a big resolution breaker. “Many people make their resolutions with a genuine belief that they can accomplish them, but come February the excitement wears off and other priorities begin to take precedence,” says Andrew Schrage, founder of MoneyCrashers.
Therefore, give yourself a break. Everyone goes through this. Simply take this time to re-motivate yourself. Go back to your plan. Talk to your support group.
According to Beverly Hills psychotherapist Barbara Neitlich, sometimes all you need to keep going is a pat on the back—from yourself. “Congratulate yourself for your progress. The problem is that many individuals have a very black and white attitude. They see it as either you have achieved your goal or you have failed, but there is a grey area,” she says.
Imaginary Dependencies
Often times we procrastinate our progress because we associated imaginary dependencies to our resolutions.
For example – I resolve to get fit
- I will get up 2 hours earlier every day to fit in my exercise routine
- To get up earlier, I need to go to bed by 10:00 pm – because I should get 8 hours of sleep.
- When I get my bonus or tax refund, I will start my fitness exercise at the gym.
These may sound like reasonable resolutions, but
- You can’t seem to get to bed by 10:00 pm; therefore, you can’t get up in time.
- You don’t really need a gym membership to start getting into shape.
The time you go to sleep really has no relevancy. Regardless of what time you go to bed, you can always set your alarm to 6:00 am. You may be a little tired at the end of the day, but that makes it easier go to bed earlier the next day.
Walking is free; biking, hiking, various sports are very inexpensive. You don’t have to wait until you have extra money to start on your goals.
Putting it in perspective
Put it in perspective. While you may have the best intentions with your resolution, you could be putting unnecessary pressure on yourself. “Rather than associating the New Year with resolutions or changes you need to make, consider it a time for reflection on things you wish to work on throughout the year,” Applebaum says. “Quit dwelling on what you have not accomplished and focused on what you will accomplish instead.”
Consider these new habits as life changes that you will be practicing your entire life. Therefore, if you faltering from time to time is “no big deal” – as long as we get back on track.
I know your situation is different. If you would like additional information on this topic, please contact LauraRose@RoseCoaching.info
I am a business coach and this is what I do professionally. It’s easy to sign up for a complimentary one-on-one coaching call, just use this link https://www.timetrade.com/book/WFSFQ
With enough notice, it would be my honor to guest-speak at no cost to your group organization.
Reference:
https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/top-10-reasons-you-dont-stick-your-resolutions