Resolution vs Reality -Staying the course

Andrea Lee- Founder & Osteopathic Manual Therapist 

As many of us counted down to 2022, we looked forward to another year of fresh starts, new outlooks and we secretly hoped that we would see the end of COVID.This winter has been difficult for many of us, as new lockdown measures were introduced, and it was hard to stay focused on our goals. With Spring right around the corner, it’s important to shift our focus and not lose sight of what you intended to accomplish this year. The timeline may have shifted, but the intention is still strong.

Resolutions vs reality- can you really conquer your New Year’s Resolutions? When it comes to setting resolutions, it’s important to understand that not everyone makes them, and not everyone commits to them, and that is ok. However, it’s important to shift our thinking when it comes to making resolutions. At the center of it, New Year’s resolutions are about goal setting and building a strong foundation for new habits. Whether you are looking to pick up a new hobby, drink more water or practice self care, it’s all about creating that opportunity for new habit building. 
Today on the blog, we discuss why you should make a New Year’s Resolution, and the various ways you can go about making them, and how to set yourself up for success.

For many people who set New Year’s Resolutions, they neglect to take a closer look at their goal, and what it entails. Oftentimes, a goal will be set, such as “I want to be able to run 10km” but the thought and planning that is involved in accomplishing this goal is neglected. We have supplied a few questions that will help you evaluate your goal, what is involved in achieving your goal and help you form a road map and foundation to reach that goal. Some things to ask yourself when making a resolution:
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• What is my goal?
• Why is this goal important to me?
• How will I feel when I achieve this goal?
• What am I willing to do to reach this goal?
• What resources do I need to reach this goal?

Once you have put your goal into perspective by answering those key questions, you can start to build out your plan of accomplishment. Here is a simple four step process that you can take to achieve your goals.

1. A Look at the Past: In order to make improvement, we have to look at what has been done. This is an opportunity to take a closer look at what worked for you last year, what didn’t and where you can make improvement. For example: if your goal is to start running, do you need to make adjustments to your calendar to fit in a work out? This is a great opportunity to open a journal, and start putting your ideas and thoughts down on paper. Remember, give yourself some credit, don’t focus on what didn’t work, focus on how you can make improvements. 

2. Be Realistic: Take some time to look at the life you want. Write it down. Believe it or not, this tactic can really help you put things into perspective, and help you understand where your resolutions and goals can fit into your life. This also helps you stress the importance of this goal, and how it connects directly back to your core values. These priorities can keep you motivated and on track, and will help you take the steps you need to to reach your goal. 

3. Build a S-M-A-R-T Goal: A SMART goal-setting approach is one that is: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Remember, most resolutions fail because they are unrealistic, poorly thought out or arbitrary, so by sticking to the SMART plan, you are taking actionable steps to achieve your goals. 
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4. Slow and Steady: Building on the SMART plan, you can break your goal down into small, comprehensive chunks that are more manageable. This means, you can chip away at your goal regularly, and with a healthy stride, rather than putting pressure on yourself. For example, if you are looking to save $5,000 by the end of the year, what realistically can you save each month to help you get there? This will take the pressure off, and frame your goal in a much more achievable light. 

5. Build a Buddy System: Finding a friend or family member to hold you accountable to your goals can go a long way. Find a friend that has similar interests and goals, maybe a friend is looking to practice yoga 2-3 weeks as well? Having a buddy system can help you stay motivated, remain accountable and also inspire you to have fun in the process. 
Although the year did not start off the way we had hoped it would, there is still time to make change. Remember, New Year’s Resolutions can fail, and they do if you do not change your mindset. Using these five steps will help you build a strong foundation and habit pattern that will set you on a path of success. Our practitioners are here to support you every step of the way. Connect with us if you are looking to achieve a health related goal this year.

Although the year did not start off the way we had hoped it would, there is still time to make change. Remember, New Year’s Resolutions can fail, and they do if you do not change your mindset. Using these five steps will help you build a strong foundation and habit pattern that will set you on a path of success. Our practitioners are here to support you every step of the way. Connect with us if you are looking to achieve a health related goal this year.