New Years Resolutions don’t work - why bother?!

New Years Resolutions don’t work

Are you someone who makes new years resolutions? 

I found out today that there's a day that's been called 'Quitters Day', depending on what source you read, it's either on the 2nd Friday or 3rd Sunday of January.

That blows my mind! There's a day to mark the point that most people give up on, or forgot about the promise they made to themselves at the turn of the New Year.

A lot of people don’t bother making a new years resolution, because they know they’re unlikely to stick to it. I understand that logic: ‘didn’t work before, so why would it work now?’

There’s a meme going round at the moment that says something along the lines of 'No one claim this year as your year! Let's walk in real slow. Be good. Be quiet. Don't - touch - anything!’ I think this totally sums up people’s concerns about what the new year might bring!

After the year we've had I can totally understand why lots of people are deciding not to make too many plans for 2021, and are maybe even more reluctant to make a new years resolution this year.

But what if there was a different way to approach New Years Resolutions - one more likely to work?

Would you give it a go?

I'm planning my year differently this time round - read on if you want to hear my new way of approaching New Years Resolutions.

Before you set a new years resolution, know where you're headed

Where do you want to be in 3, 5, or 10 years time? Really think about it. Where do you want to live? How many kids do you want? What kind of holidays do you want to go on? What kind of job do you want? What kind of clothes do you want to be wearing (and feeling confident in)? How do you want to spend your spare time? How do you want to feel?

Why do you want those things? What makes those things/experiences/feelings sound appealing?

For me, in 5 years time, I want to have lost the baby weight, earn more money, be debt free, have 2 children and experience a sense of freedom and joy every day.

Plans might change, but your dreams probably won’t

Think about where you want to be in 5 or 10 years time, then pick one thing you want to work on next year to move you a step closer. Just one thing. 

For example, my goal for this year is to have paid off a certain amount of debt. 

(This is where most people end their New Years Resolution setting - they have a goal, then they end up forgetting all about it by Quitters Day, or earlier!)

Next, figure out why you want it. Why is that goal important for you? What will change for you if by the end of the year if you have managed to stick to it? Who will be impacted? How will it make your life better?

Knowing why you want it is important, because it will keep you motivated when things start to feel difficult.

Get your thinking cap on

Come up with as many ways as you can think of to make your goal happen. Think of all the different strategies or approaches you could take.

For example if your goal is to lose a dress size by the end of the year, you might write down ideas like join Slimming world (or another weight loss club), run 3 times a week, cut out sugar, give up alcohol, get a personal trainer... 

Write down anything you can think of - ask other people for their ideas. Then pick 4 ideas you like the sound of, and would be happy to try.

Split the year into quarters

The 4 ideas you chose from your list of strategies then become your focus for each quarter of the year. See them as experiments, if they work - great, if they don't - try another strategy!

So idea 1 becomes your focus for quarter one (January to March), idea 2 is your quarter 2 focus (April to June) etc.

It's easier to commit to 3 months, than to 12 months. And if you find by quarter 2, that you haven't stuck to it - you don't have to wait until December 31st to roll around to make another resolution - you get a fresh start at your goal every 3 months.

If you’re looking for a guided planner to organise your daily life, increase productivity, time management and achieve your goals - check out my 90 day and annual planners for women.

There you have it! A slightly different way of approaching your New Years Resolution - let me know what you hope to achieve by the end of the year!!

Happy New Year! Here's hoping next year is a good one!

January is a time where people are looking for a fresh start. New diet. New routines... and for some, a new job. If you’re looking for a new job this year - I'd really love to help you.

How I might be able to help you set and achieve your goals

Whatever your New Years Resolution is, maybe a focus for one of your quarters could be to enjoy some of the free content I’ve put together to help you make a decision on what’s next in your life and career.

The Get it Done starter pack has been designed to help you reflect on your life so far, recognise what’s important to you in life, and make some plans to move towards a life and career that work for you. It’s the perfect tool to help you get started on your ‘New Year, New Me’ goals!

If you know that something in your life needs to change, but you’re struggling to know where to begin, I’d encourage you to grab the Get it Done starter pack today. I know it can really help you.

In case you’re looking for a guided planner to organise your daily life, increase productivity, time management and achieve your goals - check out my 90 day and annual planners for women.