Making Realistic New Year’s Resolutions

January 1st was just a few weeks ago and resolutions are still at the top of our mind. Each year, we set intentional resolutions designed to improve our self-care, harness our productivity, and improve our overall wellness. And, while we do our best to meet those resolutions and turn them into habits, we’re wondering, what are the best ways to make realistic new year’s resolutions?

Stick to S.M.A.R.T. goals. Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-bound goals or resolutions are actionable and have a clearly defined measure of success make it easier to say, “Yes, I made a healthy lunch ahead of time every workday this month!” or, “I did an hour-long pilates class 4 times this week.”

Don’t over-resolution yourself. Keeping track of too many resolutions can make the simplest task seem overwhelming. One to three goals that you feel will make a big impact on your day-to-day is enough. If you are an overachiever and check off those first resolutions, no problem, you can consider setting quarterly, rather than annual, resolutions. 

Develop a tracking system. You know how kids love getting gold stars when they complete a task? Well, so do adults! There’s nothing better than crossing an item off your list and patting yourself on the back. So, create a way to track your resolutions and you’ll know when you’re meeting those specific and measurable milestones. Also, find a way to celebrate those –– maybe a manicure, a spin class, or a new crystal for your home each time you meet a goal.

Accept that perfection isn’t always possible. Lastly, recognize that you may slip and fall on the way to meeting your new year’s resolutions. No matter how realistic and well-intentioned those resolutions may be, no one is perfect. If you fall off the wagon, get back on. 

You have less than 365 days until 2021 (who else thinks that sounds like a space-age year?!). That means you have 365 days to accomplish your goals and turn your resolutions into thoughtful and intentional habits. Let’s do this!