As the New Year approaches, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the past and eagerly planning for a brighter future. It’s a long standing tradition to set New Year’s resolutions, BUT, I ask you… how often do these well-intentioned goals fade away as quickly as they were made?
Let's explore the difference between fleeting resolutions and creating solid, attainable life changes that stick with you.
The problem with resolutions is that they are often too grand and overly ambitious— filled with dreams of complete change and transformation. We might decide, "This year, I’ll lose 30 pounds," or "I’ll finally write that novel." While these are magnificent goals, they are also broad and intimidating. Without a clear plan or understanding of the steps needed, they can feel overwhelming and, in a few short weeks, when life gets demanding- we might push those well intended resolutions aside.
Instead-let’s think of a different approach. To make genuine, lasting changes, let’s consider focusing on building habits instead of setting vague resolutions. This involves creating small, manageable habits that steer us towards larger goals. The secret is consistency and starting small, like committing to a 10-minute walk or 10 push- ups a day (they can even be on our knees) if our goal is to get healthier— or, writing 300 words daily if we aspire to be a writer.
Habit stacking is a powerful technique that can supercharge our efforts. The concept is simple: attach a new habit to an existing one. For instance, if we want to meditate daily, we might decide to do it every morning right after brushing our teeth. Linking new habits to well-established ones reduces the mental effort needed to make them stick!
Real change comes from consistency. By focusing on habits and habit stacking, we will create a strong foundation for change. Instead of aiming for perfection, aim for progress. Celebrate small victories that cumulatively lead to significant transformation. Over time, these small actions compound, creating a real and lasting change.
Imagine how different life could look after a year of daily walks or regular writing, compared to a forgotten resolution! Habits integrate into lifestyles, cultivating a positive environment for growth and improvement.
While resolutions can ignite initial motivation, it’s the daily commitment to building and stacking habits that truly transforms our lives. As we step into the New Year, let’s shift our focus from lofty seasonal goals to sustainable habits. Cheers to a year of meaningful progress and lasting change- let’s make this the best, most consistent year yet.
With Love From My Core,
Amity ❤️
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