Image Credits: unsplash.com
You might be thinking that making new year’s resolutions is so last year, but hear us out.
There are plenty of reasons why 2023 is the perfect year to set resolutions—and stick to them.
Humans are hardwired to make resolutions. Our brains are drawn to setting goals and making plans for the future, so there’s no reason you shouldn’t do so.
Ready to make some resolutions? Let’s roll!
Overcoming common roadblocks to success
How do you increase your chances of sticking to your resolutions and achieving your goals? Well, make achievable ones.
There’s a reason why people are more likely to achieve their fitness goals than their financial ones. When it comes to money, the stakes can feel high and people can feel overwhelmed.
But when it comes to fitness, the goals are usually more specific and tangible—”I want to be able to run 1 km without stopping” or “I want to lose 5 kg.”
One way to make your resolutions more achievable is to focus on one priority area for the first 3 months of the year. This way, you’re not trying to change everything at once, which can feel daunting and impossible. Instead, you’re taking it one step at a time and focusing on just Q1.
The psychology behind new year’s resolutions
You might be one of the many people who think that new year’s resolutions are overrated. After all, how many times have you set resolutions that you haven’t been able to keep?
But here’s where the psychology of new year’s resolutions comes in. The new year marks a cyclical point in time where we can take inventory of our lives. It’s a time to evaluate where we’ve been and where we want to go.
And that’s why resolutions still work, even in 2023.
Benefits of staying focused and on track
Image Credits: unsplash.com
When you have a goal, you’re more likely to stay focused and on track.
If you’re trying to lose weight, you’re more likely to stick to your diet if you have a specific intent in mind (like losing 2 kg in a month). Having a plan gives you something to work towards and motivates you to keep going even when things get tough.
Plus, studies have shown that setting goals can make you happier. That’s because accomplishing a goal gives you a sense of achievement. And when you set a goal that’s challenging but achievable, it can also give you a boost of confidence.
How to make better resolutions for 2023
If you’re still not sold on the whole new year’s resolution thing, then let us give you a few tips on how to make better resolutions for 2023.
- Start small and achievable.
The biggest reason why people fail at their resolutions is that they’re overly ambitious.
So instead of saying you will work out every day, start with 3 times a week. Smaller goals are more manageable and less daunting, which means you’re more likely to stick with them.
- Be specific and start now, not tomorrow.
Another reason why people fail at their resolutions is that they’re not specific enough.
Rather than saying you want to eat healthier, be detailed about what that means. Maybe you want to eat more fruits and vegetables for dinner or cut down on processed food on weekdays. And instead of saying tomorrow, start now!
- Reward yourself when goals are accomplished.
Finally, make sure to reward yourself when you accomplish your goals. This will help motivate you to keep going.
For example, if your goal is to lose 5 kg, buy yourself a smaller pair of jeans when you reach your goal. Or if your goal is to work out 3 times a week, treat yourself to a massage after 4 weeks of sticking to your plan. Whatever it is, make sure it’s something that will inspire you to keep going.
So, if you’re feeling down on new year’s resolutions, or you’ve tried and failed in the past, we encourage you to try again in 2023. It may seem like a long journey ahead, but by making a plan now and setting some small goals, you will be on your way to righting the wrong of past years.
