Another holiday season has come and gone. The air is filled with talk of New Year’s resolutions, fresh goals, and the promise of a new you, all aimed at making this year better than the last. However, what sets this year apart from the others? Perhaps you feel you indulged a bit too much, enjoyed more drinks than intended, or gained a few pounds. We often end up blaming ourselves, feeling ashamed for lacking willpower and resort to depriving ourselves of certain foods, embarking on cleanses, and starting yet another weight-loss journey. If any of this resonates with you, then keep reading!
There’s a different approach to overcoming guilt and self-criticism, allowing you to feel empowered and motivated as we step into the New Year. Research indicates that by mid-February, 80% of New Year’s resolutions have already fallen by the wayside. Don’t worry though, because it’s not all your fault! Many of us set unrealistic goals, lack a solid plan, don’t have enough accountability, or fail to establish a strong internal incentive for change. We often start too aggressively and don’t align our goals with sufficient motivation which leads to self-criticism. Overcoming that self-criticism is like building any other muscle—it requires practice. Cultivating self-compassion, surrounding yourself with support, staying mindful, reframing setbacks, and celebrating small victories are all important factors to stay on track and create lasting change. Let’s explore some tips to kick off this New Year with a fresh approach.
Begin by asking yourself why you want this change:
- What significance does it hold for you?
- What might happen if you don’t pursue this change?
- What experiences could you gain by making this shift?
This reflection gives you a foundation for understanding your motivations. Next, break your goal down into manageable steps. While you may know your ultimate objective, like losing weight, what are the actionable steps to get there? For instance, if your goal is weight loss, whether you’re trying this for the first time, have tried before, or are starting a new medication with ShedRx, consider the foundational elements:
- Hydration: Begin by focusing on hydration in January. How can you ensure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day?
- Movement: In February, focus on incorporating more movement into your routine. How can you fit in a few days of
activity? Could you start counting your steps each day? - Nutrition: After adding some movement, our bodies feel better and we need to introduce more nutrient-dense foods. This is where meal planning and prepping can be quite beneficial. By planning your meals, you can avoid the temptation of fast food on your way home from work.
The key is to introduce one new habit each month or, if you are feeling motivated, each week, building a solid foundation for lasting change. Instead of feeling guilty for not meeting lofty expectations, set small, achievable goals that allow you to celebrate your accomplishments. As you continue to achieve these small goals, you’ll find renewed motivation to keep going. You’ll start to notice positive changes, which is incredibly rewarding. Remember,
only you can rewrite your story. Rather than dwelling on past disappointments, let’s embrace the New Year with the affirmation that you can succeed! You are capable of overcoming challenges! Speak to yourself as you would to a friend and remind yourself of the difficult things you’ve already accomplished. This time, you’ll be better prepared. You’ve got this!
