New Year's Resolution: Be Kind to Yourself

The tempting idea of a clean slate as the New Year approaches often inspires us to make resolutions. We say we’ll eat better, save money, or quit smoking. But what we often forget is that changing what we do every day is hard. We think about the good things that will happen when we reach our goals, but we forget about what we have to give up. And kindness to ourselves gets lost somewhere along the way.

Why do so many of us struggle?

Let's face it, changing deeply rooted habits from one day to the next is a difficult task. We usually focus on what our goal will bring us, but we don't look at what we have to give up to achieve it. If we didn't have to give up anything, we would have all achieved our goals long ago.

Why do we want to change?

Most resolutions are about losing weight, smoking or saving money. But what is the real motivation behind why we want to make these changes? Don't we just want to feel better at the end of each day, don't we want to be healthier, don't we want to be here longer with our family and friends?

There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to make positive changes in our lifestyle. But we must not forget that change is a long process, and during that process it is important to keep cultivating kindness towards ourselves. Instead of making a big radical change from January 1, for example, it might be better to set smaller, more achievable goals continuously throughout the year.

Here are some simple tips to help you:

Start Small:

Big changes start with small steps. Break your goal down into smaller, achievable goals.

Be Clear and Know How to Check Your Goal:

With a well-set goal, you need to know how to know you've met it. If you want to "get fit", set a goal of "going to the gym once a week" or "walking to work twice a week instead of driving". But make sure your goal is achievable. If you haven't been going to the gym at all, it will be challenging to start three times a week at once.

Talk About It:

Tell your friends or family about your goals and ask them to support you. You can also join a group where everyone wants to do the same thing.

Don’t Beat Yourself Up:

When you slip, it's not a failure, it's a rest and a reward. No need to be critical of yourself for it.

Get Help from a Coach:

Sometimes, the will is present, but the way seems obscured. This is where a certified coach steps in. They can offer guidance tailored to your journey, helping you navigate through the rough patches.

Remember, any day is a good day to start working towards your goal. If you want something, you don't have to wait for the New Year.