New Year’s Resolutions Rarely Work,But This Does...
Have you ever set a New Year’s Resolution and followed it through until the end of the year?
If you said no, welcome to the club. You are not alone!
So what’s the issue? Lack of accountability? Often.
Fading motivation? Very likely.
Loss of focus? Perhaps.
Or maybe the issue is that the way to bring about sustainable change is NOT through making a resolution that often times feels more like a burden or chore than something to be excited about.
What is a Resolution
Resolutions are goals we set for ourselves. To work for that promotion. Stop smoking. Swear off sugar….again. Or get your butt moving to shed those holidays pounds.
The goals are great. They work. They motivate, give you a sense of purpose, and increase productivity. I love goals. When done properly, they can bridge the gap between where you are now and where you see yourself a year from now.
How Do Resolutions Fall Short
How many times have you fallen short of your resolutions and felt like you've failed? I hear you! Me too!". Oftentimes, we set resolutions that are on a grand scale and perhaps even unrealistic goals.....really setting ourselves up for that sense of disappointment.
Added to that, remembering times when we’ve been unsuccessful in the past can be psychologically demotivating and somewhat self-sabotaging. In the event we don’t accomplish our resolution (which is more often than not), it can be easy to internalize the failure and further decrease drive and motivation. Not carrying out our New Year’s resolutions can bring about guilt and shame when we do not accomplish what we set out to do.
Resolutions have a finish line. They have a finite end goal. This can be a good thing, if you’re a goal crusher and keep your goals realistic. The drawback can be two-fold, however. If you don’t accomplish your goal, you feel like a failure. Or, you were motivated enough to reach your goal. Now the goal, that extrinsic motivating factor that inspired you to take action initially, is gone, and most often, so is the motivation to keep going.
Instead of Resolutions, Focus On How You Intend to Show Up in the New Year
Start the New Year Right with a Mindful Intention
Unlike resolutions with a fixed goal, intentions are a vision for personal growth and change made with a purpose. Intentions don’t have an end, they are a continuing part of how you envision your life to unfold and evolve. Intentions are about the process and it is the process and your habits which create permanence and allow you to live in the realm of possibility.
Rather than finite goals like resolutions, intentions are a promise to yourself to live mindfully in the present moment and be open to new outcomes. When you set an intention for yourself, there is less pressure to change, more inspiration to take action, and way more compassion for yourself.
Intentions serve to create abundance in our lives, contrary to resolutions that focus on what is wrong with the way you currently live. Resolutions are nothing more than a push to try and do better, whereas intentions actually ‘draw you into action, with motivation and flexibility.
Being inspired to take action is much more sustainable than feeling pressured to take action
How to Set Intentions and Set Yourself Up for Success
Reflect deeply on what would make the upcoming year a success for you
Clearly articulate what you want to achieve
Decide on specific actions needed to accomplish your goal
Schedule it daily
Minimize unnecessary distractions
Get real clear on the type of person you have to become to get these things done
Shift your limiting beliefs, reframe your perspective and mindset
Reinforce intentions daily and execute!
Expect obstacles and bad days; don’t get discouraged, it’s all part of the process
Course correct as needed
Celebrate small victories frequently to keep the momentum going
Create accountability
Share your goals and mini-victories!
Whether you decide to set a resolution or live with intention in 2022, embody the person you need to become in order to see that change happen. Find what motivates you, figure out what you need to be done day-to-day to make 2022 your best year yet.
What is the one thing missing that you need to take your life up a notch?
Is it getting clear on your intentions and what would make this year better than ever?
Do you need more accountability in your life?
Not sure how to fit new habits into your already busy life?
Looking for education, support, or guidance?
Book a Free Consultation with a Functional Nutrition Practitioner today to explore and unlock all the possibilities of your potential.
From all of us at Living Wellness Solutions, we wish you a happy and healthy 2022! Happy New Year!
Remember to Stay Inspired, Be Well, and Be YOU!
Tommy Markov is a Functional Nutrition Professional and Wellness Educator with a Master’s in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine. He specializes in healing the person, not the condition. He is passionate about uncovering the root cause of his client’s ailments and incorporating an integrative mind-body approach.
Tommy’s knowledge of the interconnectedness of body systems helps him identify imbalances before they manifest into dysfunction and disease, allowing for an effective preventative approach.
Tommy has been working in the health and fitness industry since his 20’s, ranging from health clubs, hospitals, medical practices to currently founding his own thriving practice, Living Wellness Solutions, after overcoming his own health challenges.
Tommy has appeared as a guest and expert speaker on numerous podcasts, speaking events, as well as being a nutrition and supplement consultant. Most recently, Tommy became a proud partner of F.L.O.W. Wellness Center in Abington, Pennsylvania, where he incorporates Functional Medicine and Nutrition along with various other healing modalities and practitioners.
