The start of a new year often brings with it a sense of fresh beginnings and the opportunity to set new goals and resolutions. For many people, New Year’s resolutions are a chance to reflect on the past year and make changes or improvements in their personal or professional lives. However, the pressure to set and achieve these resolutions can be intense.
One source of pressure when it comes to New Year’s resolutions is the expectation that we should be able to fix all of our flaws in a single year. This can lead to setting unrealistic goals or trying to tackle too many things at once. Trying to tackle all your problems at once can lead to feelings of failure when you do not meet those expectations. According to a 2016 study, only 9% of Americans felt like they were successful in keeping their resolutions.
Another source of pressure is the fear of being judged by others if we don’t stick to our resolutions or if we don’t achieve our goals. With the proliferation of social media, it’s easy to feel like we are constantly being judged and compared to others. We may feel like we need to prove ourselves to others or live up to their expectations, which can add even more stress to an already difficult task.
How can I keep New Year’s Resolutions?
1.Set realistic goal
It’s important to remember that it’s okay to set big goals, but it’s also important to be realistic and to set achievable goals that we can work towards throughout the year.
2.Get support
Another way to reduce the pressure of New Year’s resolutions is to enlist the help of others. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or a professional coach or therapist. Having someone to support us and hold us accountable can be a great way to stay on track with our goals. It’s also important to remember that we don’t have to do everything alone – it’s okay to ask for help and support when we need it.
3.Be flexible
It’s also important to be flexible and to remember that it’s okay to adjust our goals or resolutions as the year goes on. Life is unpredictable and things don’t always go according to plan. If we find that we are unable to stick to our resolutions or that our goals are no longer relevant, it’s okay to reassess and make changes. The important thing is to keep moving forward and to not get discouraged by setbacks or failures.
4.Practice self-compassion
It’s important to be kind to ourselves and not to beat ourselves up if we don’t meet our goals or if we struggle to stick to our resolutions. It’s okay to make mistakes and to have setbacks – the important thing is to learn from them and to keep moving forward. It’s also helpful to practice self-compassion and to remind ourselves that we are human and that it’s okay to be imperfect.
By following these tips, you can manage the pressure of New Year’s resolutions and make lasting changes in your life. Remember, the important thing is to set realistic goals, take it one day at a time, get support, be flexible, and practice self-compassion.
