5 Steps for Making and Keeping Your New Year’s Resolutions
“It’s never too late to become who you want to be. I hope you live a life that you’re proud of, and if you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start over.” —F. Scott Fitzgerald
Happy New Year!
The New Year is upon us once again, bringing with it the familiar urge to start fresh, turn over a new leaf, and reinvent ourselves. Many of us set ambitious New Year’s resolutions, believing that the new calendar year will magically provide the motivation and persistence we need to achieve our dreams. However, the beginning of the year—sandwiched between holiday festivities and the challenges of returning to routine—can be a particularly difficult time to stick to significant life changes.
The good news is, that you don’t have to set yourself up for failure by making drastic changes overnight. With the right approach, you can set realistic goals and keep them, creating lasting, positive changes in your life. Here are five practical steps to help you make and keep your New Year’s resolutions, so you can finally achieve what you set out to do.
1. Start Small: Pick One Thing
One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to change too much at once. Instead of overhauling your entire lifestyle, start with just one specific, manageable goal. Choose something that’s concrete and achievable—something you can focus on and measure. For instance, if you want to be healthier, don’t jump straight into a marathon if you’re out of shape. Instead, commit to walking for 20 minutes each day. Once that becomes a habit, you can gradually increase the intensity until you’re ready to take on bigger challenges.
Example: Rather than resolving to “get fit,” start with a resolution like “walk three times a week.” After a month, if you’ve kept up the habit, consider adding more activities like light jogging or a fitness class. Over time, these small changes will add up, leading to a healthier lifestyle without the overwhelming pressure of a major overhaul.
Story: Take Sarah, for example, a busy optometrist and mother of two. Last year, she resolved to become healthier but found herself overwhelmed by the thought of a drastic diet change. So, she started small, committing to drink an extra glass of water each day. After mastering that, she gradually added more changes like eating more vegetables and taking a walk during her lunch break. By the end of the year, Sarah had lost 15 pounds and gained more energy—all by starting with one simple change.
2. Make a Plan and Get Started
Success doesn’t just happen—you need a plan. Research your goal, prepare yourself, and gather the resources you need to succeed. The more prepared you are, the less room there is for excuses.
Tips for Planning:
- Educate Yourself: Read books, articles, and watch videos about your goal. Whether you’re looking to manage stress better, improve your practice, or start a new hobby, there’s a wealth of information available at your fingertips.
- Set Up for Success: If your goal is to pay down debt, gather all your financial information and use budgeting software to track your progress. If you’re focusing on self-care, create a relaxing corner in your home or schedule regular time for yourself on your calendar.
- Get a Mentor: Seek advice from those who have achieved similar goals. A mentor or consultant can guide you through the process and offer valuable insights. Success leaves clues, and you don’t have to reinvent the wheel.
Quote: “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” — Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
3. Anticipate Challenges
No journey is without obstacles, and New Year’s resolutions are no exception. Be proactive and identify potential challenges before they arise.
How to Overcome Challenges:
- List Obstacles: Write down things that have held you back in the past and potential challenges you may face.
- Create Strategies: Work with your mentors or advisors to develop strategies to overcome these obstacles.
- Stay Accountable: Find an accountability partner to keep you on track, whether it’s a friend, a coach, or a community like Optometry Divas.
Example: If you’re trying to stick to a budget, but you know you’re prone to impulse shopping, create a plan to avoid temptation. Unsubscribe from marketing emails, leave credit cards at home, and track every purchase in a budgeting app.
4. Be Flexible and Learn from Setbacks
Nobody is perfect, and neither is any plan. If you slip up, don’t be too hard on yourself. Instead, learn from your mistakes, adjust your plan, and keep moving forward.
Example: If you miss a week of workouts or overspend one month, don’t throw in the towel. Analyze what went wrong—was it a busy schedule, or were you unprepared? Make a note of the triggers and adjust your plan accordingly. For example, if late-night snacks derail your diet, stock healthier options. If you overspend on social outings, build that expense into your budget.
Quote: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” — Winston Churchill
5. Celebrate Small Wins
Achieving a goal isn’t just about the end result; it’s about the journey. Rewarding yourself along the way keeps you motivated and committed. Celebrate small successes to stay encouraged as you work towards your bigger goals.
Example: If your resolution was to add a new specialty to your practice, celebrate when you complete your first training module or receive positive feedback from a patient. These small wins build momentum, reminding you why you started.
Story: Dr. Monica set a resolution to read one professional development book a month. After finishing her first book, she treated herself to a spa day—a small reward that kept her motivated for the next book. By year’s end, Monica had read 12 books, and her practice was thriving with new insights she’d implemented.
Join the Optometry Divas Community!
New Year’s resolutions are not about being perfect but about making consistent, manageable progress. By starting small, planning ahead, anticipating challenges, staying flexible, and celebrating wins, you set yourself up for a year of success.
Remember, you don’t have to go on this journey alone. Surround yourself with a supportive community that understands your challenges and cheers on your success. If you’re looking for a place where you can connect with like-minded professionals, find resources to help you achieve your goals, and be inspired by others who are on their journey, join the Optometry Divas community.
Ready to start your journey? Join Optometry Divas today and discover the power of community and support. Together, let’s make 2024 your most successful year yet!
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