It can be a struggle to keep a New Year’s resolution, but being mindful on how to work towards your 2022 goals may help.There are several methods that can help you choose a more attainable New Year’s resolution — and ultimately make your year better.
A young woman takes a break to do something analog like writing in her journal and drinking tea. This is a healthy practice for those who experience anxiety.
(iStock)
1. Take time to reflect
Before you set your New Year’s Resolution, spend some time thinking about the last year. Ask yourself what you learned, what you achieved, what mistakes you may have made and the ways in which you’d like to grow in the upcoming year.NEW YORK’S TIMES SQUARE WELCOMES PARTIERS ON NYE – AS LONG AS YOU DON’T DROP THE BALL ON GETTING VACCINATED
2. Focus on smart goals
According to psychologist Peter Drucker, the more clearly defined your pathway is, the easier it is to follow. When you make your resolution “Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-Bound,” you set yourself up for success. For example, the resolution “I want to grow my savings account” is easier to approach if it sounds like “I’d like to add ten thousand dollars to my savings account, by putting away fifteen percent of my paycheck for a year.” This makes it easier to track your progress. Plus, noticing your progress along the way arguably makes you more likely to continue.
Making daily notes
(iStock)
3. Take a balanced approach to health goals
New Year’s is often a time to set resolutions around health – especially weight loss. If you find yourself setting the same goal at the beginning of each year and running out of steam by February, take 2022 as an opportunity to shake things up. There are many areas of health besides physical. Consider making improvements to your mental, emotional or spiritual health.
4. Think about what brings you joy
If your resolution doesn’t excite you, there’s a good chance you won’t make it a priority. Plus, there is no rule that your resolution has to focus on self-improvement. This year, think about what inspires you and how to bring more of that into your life.
Happy group of women having fun
(iStock)DRINKING COFFEE, TEA CAN LOWER THE RISK OF DEMENTIA, STROKE: RESEARCHERS
5. Talk to the people close to you
Sometimes our friends and family know us better than we know ourselves, so their input can be extremely helpful in setting self-improvement goals. When you’re choosing your New Year’s resolution, try implementing one or all of these suggestions. Hopefully it brings success.
A young woman is talking with a female friend about her problem in a cafe. The friend is supportive and understanding.
(iStock)