Your New Year's Resolutions are bullsh*t #Sorrynotsorry
OK Girl, January 1 is quickly approaching....time to start a new diet, save more money, release that toxic relationship, eat healthy... bla bla bla!
Not to sound crass, but it's #NAWT happening!!! Well it will MORE THAN LIKELY not sustain! Why? because if you really wanted to stop, start, quit; you don't need to wait until the calendar hits January 1 in order to get things crackin'!
I appreciate and understand some of the logic behind "new years resolutions", or "goal setting", for that matter; I think it can have tremendous effects on short term productivity.
Interestingly, I came across an article in U.S. News that reports, only 20% of people stick to their new years resolutions by February 1st. YIKES!
Goal setting can help us plan for the future, understand what we want, devise a plan, and stay on track to get it done. Sounds GREAT, right!? But I'm starting to come to see that there is a downside to goal setting. It takes us out of the moment and creates an emphasis on what we don't have or don't/won't do. For those who set goals and happen not to meet them; it can lead to a sense of failure.
However, by shifting slightly to setting an intention, can serve as a helpful roadmap and reminder for how to live out each day. Intentions give you purpose, as well as the inspiration and motivation to achieve your purpose. The difference with setting intentions allows you to focus on who you are in the moment (rather than the future). Getting real with who you are and what you're about, can help you recognize and live your values! Not only will this raise your emotional energy, it will in turn raise your physical energy, as well.
In our society we are taught to "set goals + crush them", if only it were only that simple, right? I see 2 major problems with this sentiment:
1) New Years Resolutions/goals are too vague and often lack benchmarks or modality, making them more difficult to achieve.
2) Goals can lack intention.
A goal is technically a wish to accomplish something that you wouldn't typically do or go for, if not for setting the goal.
How to reframe getting sh*t done + feel accomplished
Let's use weight loss as an example, it's probably the most common New Year's Resolution. If we just leave it as broad as "My goal is to loose weight this year"; you'll probably become another statistic.
The how, when+ why are missing from the equation. Sure, weight loss may be a real vision for you + your health. Start to add purpose to this plan by asking yourself the following questions.
How?
How do you intend to loose weight?
Some suggestions on how to build intention into this plan:
- I aim to move my body in a way that brings me joy 2x this week
-I aim to prepare nutritious meals with ingredients that I enjoy
- I am willing to drink 2 refills of water today
- I intend to increase my time with those around me who make me feel strong, energized +
full of life
- I will look in the mirror today and speak kind words to myself 2x
When?
In what time frame would you like to start seeing results.
How to build intention into your plan:
- This week I will get to bed at a time that allows for 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep
- I will plan to walk after work on Monday's and Friday's
- I will set my alarm a half hour earlier to get in an at-home workout before I begin my day
- I will set my alarm an hour early on Tuesday's and Thursdays to attend a workout class this week before work
- On Sunday's I will fill my house with nutritious and whole foods that I enjoy eating
- Set a time (1 month) to look back with gratitude and pride on the positive energy I have made space for in my life.
- Today I will show acts of kindness to a stranger, opening myself to any possibility to make someone else smile.
just because this is a good practice :)
Why?
(most importantly, in my opinion) Why do you want to loose weight?
How to build intention into your plan:
- I will be open + receptive to opportunities for meaningful contribution to my health
- I intend to expand my focus so that I may enjoy, appreciate, + add value to my own life and those around me.
- I intend to be receptive to inspiration, clarity + all information that will guide me toward a healthier life.
- I believe I am worthy of feeling happy in my own present body, as I am. (see if this won't help shift your mindset, I challenge you to try it!)
I believe if we stop feeling pressured to make "goals/ resolutions" each time the calendar resets, our mind + body will inherently let us know what we need in order to seek fulfillment and happiness.
Getting away from setting and failing resolutions or goals can be as easy as reframing your focus to ONE positive thing you intend to do today. Speak your intentions, write them down in your planner. Take time to adopt them to your personal vision.
By clearly stating how you intend to feel today, instead of wishing that you felt better puts the power of change in your control. CONTROL... isn't that what we're all going for, anyways?! Imagine if you could start regaining more control over your life.
What would that be like for you!?
Hm!?
Go on girl,
XO, Kat