New Year’s Resolutions

Do you have New Year’s resolutions? Great! That shows you’ve given it some thought and want to achieve new goals and improve your lifestyle.

But let’s be honest: Breaking resolutions is just as much a tradition as the New Year’s resolutions themselves, right? The entire course of our lives depends on goals. So isn’t it a shame to only address this important topic at New Year’s—and then fail at it, too? 

We all have dreams we want to live out someday. But we only live once, and life is short!

Sure, New Year’s resolutions work for some people, but that’s not true for the majority. Changing habits is a long process, and in very few cases does it happen overnight. Steady, consistent effort is the recipe for success. 

So start NOW—no matter what month or day it is.

Formulating and Achieving Goals the Right Way

One of the most common reasons why (New Year’s) resolutions so often fail is that they’re too general or impersonal. “Eat healthier,” “Get more exercise,” or “Avoid stress” are often at the top of the list. In principle, there’s nothing wrong with that, but what exactly do these things even mean? 

These topics are incredibly multifaceted and should be tailored to the individual. If, instead, you resolve to go jogging three times a week, gain 2 kg in four months, or meditate for 10 minutes every morning, the situation looks quite different. Behind every resolution should be a real GOAL—something you actually want to achieve.

What do YOU want to achieve?

Do you know which goals are the easiest to achieve? The ones that reflect you, your personality, and your aspirations as a person. Achieving a goal takes work: researching, trying things out, maybe even failing sometimes, and, if necessary, finding a new path to your goal. That’s why it’s so important to find goals that YOU truly want to pursue. 

Try to break free from the “usual” goals and expectations of others—and maybe let social media influence you less. Focus on yourself and your gut feeling. What makes you happy? What does your life look like right now, and where do you want to go? In what areas do you want to improve? Write it down! Putting your thoughts on paper can often help you actually follow through on things.

As previously described, your goal should be a good fit for you and your life situation and leave little room for interpretation. In the end, you should also be able to objectively determine whether you were able to achieve what you set out to do. Be aware in advance whether you have the right resources to do so. Assess your chances realistically to avoid disappointment as much as possible! Make sure you have enough ambition. Keep in mind why and for what purpose you’re doing all of this. 

Because: If you know what you want, you’re unbeatable!

Make Change a Habit

Habit is a highly underestimated factor that can often change your life! Regularly write to-do lists with tasks that help you reach your goal. Once you’ve integrated them into your daily routine, at some point the question of whether or not to do them won’t even come up anymore. You’ll just do it, because it’s become a habit and an integral part of your life.

Give it a try! Consistent effort, passion, and willpower are the foundation for getting a little closer to your goals every day. Done right, it happens all on its own—not just on New Year’s Day. Promise!