by Krystin Railing
The new year is full of new beginnings, but also a moment of reflection, and classically time to create “New Year’s Resolutions.” During a time when society finally seems open to expressing the desire to make personal changes for the better, it seems as though many have lost their luster for resolutions.
Often resolutions are made, only to be passionately pursued for a few fleeting weeks and then get put on the back burner and soon forgotten about all together. So how does one go about making meaningful resolutions that last? Here are a few tips that we hope will help you along your path of personal growth and development this 2018.
- Start small: Making small conscious daily changes when we make a choice will heed large results over time. Make resolutions you actually know you can keep, make it possible to succeed.
- Make it meaningful: Make a resolution you are truly passionate about changing. Set thought out intentions that are meaningful to your life personally. Creating a resolution that does not have personal meaning will be hard to get motivated about.
- Change one thing at a time: If you try to change too many areas of your life at once, it can be hard to manage, monitor and control, which won’t set you up for success in the long run. Try focusing on one thing at a time until it becomes natural, then add focus on another area of your life.
- Keep it Consistent: Whether you call it setting “intentions”, “goals”, or a “resolution”, make small consistent changes to adopt healthy new habits. Resolutions can be made at any moment. If you see a change that needs to be made in your life and you have identified it, then that is the time to make a resolution.
- Start Early: Don’t wait until December 31 to make a huge change in your life. Start planning and researching early. It takes up to 30 Days to form a habit, good or bad. So If you want to quit smoking in the new year, the process of transformation begins 30 days before the new year. That way, come the New Year, you are already in your new habits.
- Talk about it: They are personal choices, keep them personal unless you need an accountability buddy, then seek out a friend or group that is interested and able to truly and positively support you in your new lifestyle choice. Ask for support if needed.
- Don’t give things up, instead adopt healthy new habits: Sometimes it can seem daunting to have the mindset of “giving something up for good.” Instead, try adding new healthy habits to your daily routine that will positively influence your life.
- Don’t stress about your new resolution: Monitor your progress and keep track in a notebook if desired, but don’t let it stress you out. The point of resolutions are to positively influence your health, so stress would be counter-productive. Have fun with your new healthy lifestyle!
Making personal goals or resolution are an excellent way to create an outline for change in your life, physically, mentally and emotionally, if done with good intention. So say YES to some healthy New Year’s Resolutions!
Below are some New Year’s Resolutions from Emerald Village Members to help inspire you!
- Nick’s resolution is to make use of all the amazing resources we have accumulated and continue to build the community dream
- Bianca’s resolution is to learn a new instrument, but not over commit, practice 15 minutes a day, commit to learning and not achieving
- Jessica’s resolution is to shamelessly abide by her own personal rhythms
- Rebecca’s resolution is to declutter and minimize her life and mind, incorporate yoga once a week into her routine
- Greg’s resolution is to live a more conscious life which includes eating healthier
- Jona’s resolution is to live in full integrity as a man of god
- Krystin’s resolution is minimize single use products and disposable items, including paper plates, plastic forks, disposable bags, to go boxes and instead opt for fresh foods that don’t require a box and providing her own bags/ boxes/ plates/ cups instead of using disposables.