New Year Resolutions
New Year Resolutions
“Sometimes we know the best thing to do, but fail to do it. New year’s resolutions are often like that. We make resolutions because we know it would be better for us to lose weight, or get fit, or spend more time with our children. The problem is that a resolution is generally easier to break than it is to keep.” ~Peter Singer
So here we are, a little over a week into a new year. Many of you have made resolutions and some of you may be slipping away from those well-intentioned resolutions. I wonder if you are slipping away because your resolution was rigid, “I will do______ __ times per week.” Or maybe, “I won’t______.” Both of these are typical of how we formulate resolutions and they are difficult, if not impossible, to uphold. I would like to offer you another way to view resolutions, or should I say offer you something with which to replace resolutions. Try on “commitments”. As an example many “resolutions” center around losing weight and/or getting in shape, “I will lose 20lbs”, “I will go to the gym 3x a week” “I will not eat chocolate/carbs/sugar”. Let’s replace the “I will” with “I commit” ~ “I commit to taking care of my body.” Or “I commit to leading a healthier lifestyle.” See how a commitment creates flexibility? Each day you that you take an action that is aligned with your commitment is a success. By setting commitments you will probably reduce feelings of failure that may have existed with resolutions.
Let’s say one has made a commitment to improving their physical health. One may have planned on going to the gym but didn’t, however, if one did go for a walk and/or ate healthily, the commitment was honored.
Give it a try, replace your resolutions with broad commitments and give yourself permission to begin again. After all, each day is a new beginning. Let me know how it works for you.
And for those of you how have committed to nutrition here is a link to a great resource for figuring out replacement foods, “trading up” your goodies. www.nuval.com
~Katherine Ryan is an LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor)& “Soul Stitcher”, and owner of Harmony Counseling. She practices in Topsfield, Massachusetts where she enjoys helping adults, children and teens become unstuck.
