How to Make New Years Resolutions That Work

A new year, a new set of resolutions – the grand plan to become the best version of ourselves. But as we know, the vast majority of resolutions fail.

Recipe for Goals: A goal without a plan is like trying to bake a cake without a recipe – you may have all the ingredients, but without a clear roadmap, you're left with a messy concoction rather than the sweet success of a well-crafted dessert. The secret ingredient is in being SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Break down those resolutions into bite-sized, conquerable pieces, with a plan and direction.

The Unwanted Guest: Expectation: Ever feel like your resolutions are the unwanted guests at your New Year's party? Perhaps it's because some of them aren't even your own guests! It's time to kick out the expectations others have for you and focus on what you genuinely want. Skip the diet craze – unless you genuinely want to eat kale for breakfast – and instead, resolve to love yourself right where you are. Trust us; your body will thank you for it. (P.S. Google 'intuitive eating' – it's like a cheat code for healing your realtionship with food and body image)

When Dreams Collide with Reality: Make sure your resolutions aren't like unicorns – wonderful in theory but nonexistent in reality. If your goal involves a magic money tree, it might be time to reevaluate. Ensure your ambitions align with your current situation – surviving bills, unexpected emergencies, and the occasional midnight pizza craving. Keep it real, keep it simple. Goals don't need to be huge or overwhleming.

Drowning in Ambition: It's easy to get carried away and create a resolution army, but remember, more doesn't always mean merrier. Too many goals are like juggling flaming torches – it might be entertaining for a while, but eventually, something's going to catch fire. Channel your inner minimalist and focus on one or two goals. Maybe goals don't work for you. Choose a mantra or value to focus on instead. Quality over quantity, always!

In conclusion, let's make resolutions less of a chore. Keep it simple, have a plan, and most importantly, do something that makes you want to high-five yourself. Because, let's face it, life's too short for kale breakfast's and unused gym passes.

Written by Kylie Chaffin, LMHC