Resolutions Not Fads!

Resolutions come and go and so do “Fads”; from doing a detox cleanse, to jogging, jazzercise, yoga and even adult coloring books—and it’s that time of year where we are most hopeful—a new year! With one week officially in the books I’m curious; How are you doing with your New Year’s Resolutions?

For me, I vowed to recommit myself to the practice of yoga with which I have had an on again, off again relationship for 3 years. How will I able to stick to my New Year’s Resolution while managing a new job in a new town? Here are 5 things I am doing in an effort to keep my resolution… and you can try them too:

1. Focus on JUST ONE!  If you try to change everything all at once then you end up changing nothing and simply adding stress to your equation. Spreading yourself too thin typically yields a burn out. Think of the one thing that is the most important for you to change in your life, and make that your one resolution.

2. Commit To 21 Days: They say heard it takes 21 days to form a habit. If that’s the case, focus on just making it through January 21st. If you were able to form a habit, that is great! If you decide that you really dislike your resolution, at least you gave it a fair shot!

3. Baby Steps: Let’s say that you decide that your New Year’s Resolution is to become a runner, but you have never run before in your life then it would be ill-advised to register for a 5k race in the second weekend of January. Set reasonable and obtainable mini goals on the journey to your overall destination! By taking smaller steps, you can garner motivation from that progress which will help to push you through the rough patches.

4. Treat Yourself with a Reward: You need to reward yourself when you make progress. Remember, only take a reward day if you stick to your rules the other 6 days of the week.

5. There’s a Flag on the Play: Penalty Motivation: Just like a kid who breaks a rule, you can have a consequence when you do not stick to your resolution. I love the “Dollar Jar” concept. Drop a dollar or a five spot in the jar when you break the rules…not only will you save money but you are less likely to fall off the path too much because of the $$Ka-Ching$$ factor!

Most importantly BE KIND TO YOURSELF! We spend more time having internal dialogue with ourselves than we do with others…so make sure the conversation that yourself…is loving and encouraging! This way of being will then naturally flow outwardly towards others…and that will make 2019 a great year for everyone! – Wendy Fields, News Director @ Basin Radio