Making resolutions is one thing. Turning your resolution into reality, now that’s a whole thing. So if this year you’re looking to actually make your resolution stick, try this.
Every year I make 4 resolutions in the areas of life where I know there’s always room for improvement: health, relationships, organization, life’s work.
I keep the resolutions simple, doable and meaningful. I’m going to share with you a few of my personal favorites! Here are a couple that I’ve made in the past or for the present that’ll hopefully give you a few ideas…
1. Health: Become a Runner. I’ve always hated running, but one year I decided that instead of hating it, I’d resolve to love it. Really, when you think about it, attitude is everything, and I convinced myself to stick with it. I’m now happy to say that a five-mile run in the morning comes as naturally as brushing my teeth.
Now for you, maybe your health resolutions revolve around weight loss, improved eating habits or fitness. Don’t be vague. Specifically, write down exactly what you’re looking to accomplish. While “become a runner” was my resolution, running 5 miles at a time, several times a week was the actual goal. If you’re determined to lose weight, set a specific number (start easy like 5 pounds) or if you’re looking to eat better give yourself a goal to shoot for (like try 5 new fruit/vegetables each month). The more specific you are, the easier it is to measure your success.
2. Relationships: Cultivate a few really good friendships. Okay, a couple years ago, I decided that it was time to make some friends. Grad school, babies and practice building kept me from cultivating meaningful relationships (which in all reality creates meaning in life). This resolution made years ago has turned into the best resolution I’ve ever made. Years later, I’m really reaping the benefits. Maybe for you, it’s about healing a broken relationship, letting go of a toxic one or blossoming an existing friendship.
3. Organization: Create systems. While organizing a closet, garage or basement feels great, the neatness generally doesn’t last. It’s why this year, my organizational resolution involves creating systems. Systems like “those wires always go in that spot” or better yet, that toy belongs right here, boys! If you’ve got a system in place (for example, the mail gets opened at this time, the envelopes hit the trash, the coupons go in this bin, the bills go in this box and here’s where we keep the cards) it’s more likely to last. Maybe for you, it’s all about cleaning up the yard or clearing out a storage area. Whatever it might be, try creating a system, not just a project. I’ll let you know next year, how successful I am at this one!
4. Life’s Work: Last year, I wrote a book The Cool Girl’s Guide to the FODMAP Diet: Everything You Need to Get Savvy About (and beat!) Digestive Issues – For Life. It took a lot of hard work but was totally worth it. This year, I am focusing my efforts on promoting digestive health through workshops, classes and one-on-one consultations. So many people are struggling, and I want to show them how to “Change Your Meals, Change Your Life!”
My second goal for 2019? A new Podcast called Healthy Doesn’t Have to be Hard. I think all too often healthy feels hard and confusing; my hope is that this podcast will simplify healthy living.
Maybe for you, your goal is to develop a new skill, pursue a passion or change your work environment. What is your life’s work resolution? Make it specific and detailed.
This is the year to make your resolutions a reality.
Take just a few minutes and put pen to paper. Write down each resolution, detail out the specifics and set your time frame. Turn your resolution into a solution. Next year, you’ll be glad you did.
You CAN do this. Make it happen!
