Remember this year’s resolution on New Year's Eve? When you promised with the statement "This year, it's going to be different!" and bam! reality hit back in, and you are already back to scrolling?
Hold on! Before you drown yourself in a sea of "should haves," let's rewrite your script.
As per neuroscience, when you are talking about a New Year’s resolution or any long-term goal, you are (metaphorically) talking to the wrong part of your brain.
Our goals come from the more rational, long-term-oriented part of the brain. Using the wrong language such as “I want to lose weight” or “I want to be nicer to other people” is not written in terms of the brain’s understanding of habits and impulses.
Because of this, one day, you will state those goals to lose weight, and a day later you will reach for the muffin making some excuse.
But, should you just discard New Year’s resolutions as hopeless? Of course not.
Being conscious of your goals is the beginning of change, and any opportunity that motivates you to make them explicit is a chance, be it the New Year, or any of the first days of the rest of your life.
Sticking to resolutions isn't just about superhuman willpower (and who honestly has that anyway?). It's about having the right attitude, an attitude that turns stumbles into stepping stones and self-doubt into a fierce inner roar. ✨
You just need to be smarter about it.
Here are my 5 favourites ways to stick to any resolution:
➡️ Ditch the guilt, and embrace the growth: Here is a reality check - We all mess up. But, you shouldn’t consider that one missed gym session as a failure, but as a chance to adjust your schedule.
Ask yourself, "Why did I miss it? Can I accommodate more flexibility in my schedule to make time for things I want to do in addition to things I have to do?" See the slip ups as a learning curve, not a character flaw.
Remember, progress, not perfection, is what you should aim for!
➡️ Celebrate the small wins: Don’t feel like doing weights? Do a long cardio. Believe me, every step counts, even the baby ones. Run a few extra kilometers? High five yourself! Baked a healthy cake instead of ordering choco lava cake from Zomato? Do a victory dance! Because these small victories fuel the momentum for bigger ones.
I am celebrating my small wins from last week by writing this newsletter to you.
➡️ Find your "why": Remember that spark that ignited your resolution? That deep-down reason why you wanted to learn French or any other goal you set? Reconnect with that passion; that fire. It'll be your guiding light, encouraging when it gets tough.
A beautiful concept, that I focus on to reconnect with my why is Ikigai. Not only will you find your 'why' by following this concept but also streamline your life a lot better.
Here is a permission slip to find your Ikigai.
➡️ Make it fun: Learning a new language? Find a podcast that makes you laugh! Working out? Turn it into a dance party in your living room! Remember, joy fuels consistency. When you're having fun while forming a new habit, sticking to your goals becomes effortless (almost... ).
➡️ Find your cheer squad: We all need our own tribe, especially when it comes to slaying resolutions. Surround yourself with friends, family, or even online communities. Aim for people who'll lift you up, celebrate your wins, and call you out on your excuses.
Try these ways to slay your resolutions this year.
So, are you ready to rewrite your 2024 story?
Comment and share your "why" alongside your resolution for 2024.
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