New Year Resolutions: just another list!!!

This time every year, we all find ourselves in a dilemma and an urge to make the most of the year to come. So, what more common than sit down and write a new year’s resolution list? I can’t remember how old I was when I made my first one. I think it was around the age of 12-13.

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

I have many people tell me that they are afraid to make their New Year resolutions list because they think it’s pointless and they will not be able to achieve their goals. I am here to tell you a little secret. New Years Resolution list is just another list. Do you get it? Nothing is different. And now, my work is done. You can head over to my article on how to create successful lists and you are all set.

I am kidding! I am going to share some extra tips with you specifically when making your new year’s resolutions list that can come in handy and make your work much easier.

Let’s begin!

Be specific. Most often, many people really want to make a difference in the year to come and start filling their lists with big, vague goals. However nice and inspiring this may look, it can also create lots of stress. Instead, you have to be specific just like you do in every list you write. For example, let’s say your number one goal for next year is to “live healthier”, what does this entail in your case? Write down 3 ways to live healthier. You can note: lose 15 pounds, walk 6,000 steps a day, eat 5 portions of veggies/fruit daily. Now that’s something you can invest in. You have a detailed plan you can start executing.

Goals should be measurable. You get the point from my example above. Set a target that can be measured. It’s more likely that you will do something if you know that it has a beginning and an end and lasts for a specific amount of time. If you want to start meditating that’s great and it will help you a lot. However, you should put it in your daily schedule. So instead of writing down “meditate”, write: “meditate 15 minutes in the morning before breakfast”. The goal is clear, specific and very well incorporated in your daily routine.

Focus on your key areas. If you ask me what my goals are for next year, I can probably start talking and not be done in an hour. That’s not really productive isn't it? So, sit down and think of the areas in your life you really want to focus on this year. Is it your physical health or your finances? It can be your mental growth or your romantic relationships. Whichever the case, write them all down and then prioritize them from the most important to the least important one.

6 is the magic number. New Year’s resolution list is still a list. So, as every other list, it should contain 6 goals at the most. These are the things that are going to keep you occupied next year. You want all your energy and attention on these goals. Your first 6 goals are your next year plan.

Small steps are still steps. When writing goals we feel happy and ready to start. When we start, hmm… fear steps into the game. Change can be difficult and uncomfortable. One way to address this is to take small steps towards your goal and take more time to process the new reality. Don’t get frustrated if you are halfway through your goal at the end of next year. It will just take more time than originally expected. I always have in mind what Tony Robbins says: “people overestimate what they can do in a year and underestimate what they can do in 10”.

This is my advice for making a new year’s resolutions list. I hope you find it helpful. This is also my last post for the year! Stay tuned for next year with lots of surprises and exciting new posts!

Share your tips of your new year’s list with me. Comment down below and share this article with your friends.

See you next year!!!