Every year millions of people take part in the annual tradition of setting New Year’s resolutions, hoping to reach new goals or make big changes.
Yet, studies have shown that approximately 80 percent of New Year’s resolutions fail by the second week in February.
Personally, I don’t engage in making resolutions. With so much hype and pressure around them, and only eight percent of them successful, I think it’s wise to take a different approach. And I advise my clients to do the same, with remarkable success.
My approach is to choose one, two or three words I want to “own” in the coming year – words that inspire me and bring my goals into crisp focus.
Last year, for example, one of my words was health. By the end of 2020, the stress of the pandemic and reduced ability to get out and exercise had left me with a few extra pounds, feeling less than my best.
I wasn’t perfect in 2021. But I did do a lot of things to improve my diet and exercise, and I’m happy to say I’m in the best shape ever and my extra COVID weight is gone.
The psychology behind this approach that makes it work is to give yourself permission to be human. And couldn’t we all use that right now?
The truth is, you don’t have to adhere perfectly to an unrealistic and rigid resolution every single day of the new year to accomplish your goals. It’s normal to make mistakes and experience setbacks sometimes. As long as you maintain your focus and keep taking positive steps toward the outcome you desire, you’ll get there. It works for me and my clients, too.
