GOT RESOLUTIONS?
res·o·lu·tion
/rezəˈlo͞oSH(ə)n/
noun
plural noun: resolutions
a firm decision to do or not to do something.
synonyms: intention, resolve, decision, intent, aim, plan; commitment, pledge, promise
January 1st. A clean slate. A pristine new year filled with possibilities. The year that I will finally:
lose 15 pounds, read to my children every night, plan regular date nights with my husband, spend less time on Facebook, exercise 5 times a week, menu plan weekly, make time for “me” time, be punctual, be present, yell less, volunteer more, put laundry away instead of using the laundry basket as a closet, be a better person, read more, drink wine only on the weekends, bring about world peace.
OK, maybe not that last one. But, you get it because you’ve probably made similar laundry lists of unattainable New Year’s Resolutions.
The good thing about a long list of resolutions is that you can reuse the list every year. The bad thing? You reuse the list every year.
Resist the urge to try to completely remake yourself on New Year’s Day. Instead chose one thing that you would like to change – something to do or to refrain from doing – and make that your personal goal. Here are tips for setting yourself up for success with the single resolution that you choose:
- Choose a realistic goal – if you haven’t exercised in three years, make a 5K your goal, not a half-marathon.
- Choose a resolution that you are truly ready and able to commit to doing – you won’t be successful if you begin half-heartedly.
- Tell select family and friends your goal – they will help you stay on track when the going gets tough.
- Write your resolution down and put it where you’ll see it daily – in your planner or on a post it note stuck to the refrigerator or the bathroom mirror
- If at first you don’t succeed – don’t quit! Don’t let one misstep derail you.
I took my own advice in 2015 and for the first time that I can remember, I achieved my goal. Successfully accomplishing one goal is far more satisfying than unsuccessfully trying to entirely remake yourself.
Wishing all our Orlando Moms Blog readers a very Happy 2016!
