New Year Resolutions, you love them, you hate them; you probably didn’t follow through on some of them. Every time January 1st rolls around we’re expected to have these goals for the new year. We plan to lose weight, save money, read more, be outside more…the list goes on and on. While a little less than half of Americans actually make New Year Resolutions, only 8% are successful in the goals they create. Funny enough, there are two recognized holidays to highlight our resolution failures (Ditch your Resolution day on January 17 and Fall off the Wagon Day on February 4).
I personally feel like this year is different, people need change and to make better habits for their own wellness. The past 2 years of being in a pandemic has taken a toll on all of us and we need some way to cope and regain some sense of control in a current world that seems out of control. But how do you make resolutions that you’ll actually follow through on? Don’t worry, I’ll tell ya.
1. Make realistic resolutions
According to psychologists, small goals lead to big success. That’s not saying you can’t reach for the stars, but create small achievable goals to help you get to your big goal. For instance, if you would like to lose weight this year, make your resolution about how you’re going to get there. “I’ll do 10 push ups every day” or “I'm going to walk for 30 minutes three times a week” is a great way to start.
2. Find a way to track your resolution progress
We are more likely to stick to our goals if we can see our progress. Use a calendar, find a tracking app, write in your journal, find a way to physically see what you are doing and what progress you are making in your task.
3. Create resolutions that are meaningful to you
Determine what your core values are (what means the most to you). “I want to lose weight to be more healthy or mobile” “I want to save money to one day buy a house or be financially independent” Find a goal that resonates with you on a deeper level.
Helpful Tips
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Focus on the process rather than your desired destination
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Stay humble and keep moving
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Don’t over promise yourself
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Focus on one or two resolutions (keep it small)
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Make a plan on HOW you will achieve your goal
All in all, resolutions can be deterring if you don’t approach them properly. You have goals and you want to achieve them and the only way to do that is to start and start small.When you’re successful with one resolution, you will be motivated to continue to another goal you have and so on until you reach your big goal. Use the new year as an extra motivator to follow your dreams. If one of your resolutions is to travel to new places and make some money, then you’re in the right place. Take a look at all of our available Travel Nurse assignments here.