Five new ways to make New Year's resolutions (or New Year's revolutions)

By now you've probably already made, and broken, several New Year's resolutions.  I'm guessing they are along the lines of "I'm never eating chocolate for as long as I live", or "I'm going to lose 50lbs by February".

There are many problems with resolutions like these.  First, they are unrealistic.  Second, they are shaming.

We make assumptions every New Year that we need fixing, that there is several things 'wrong' with us.  Then we proceed to scold ourselves and our inadequacies.  This isn't great for our self-esteem.

Last, we don't really have an intention to meet our perceived goal, and if we do, we go about it in the most extreme way.

For instance, our goal maybe to lose weight.  There are many ways to go about this.  Some are enjoyable (taking up dancing, going walking outdoors, having more sex).  Others aren't (lifting weights in the gym, starving yourself, denying yourself alcohol).

Even the word 'resolution' is daunting.  It means to be firm, full of resolve and determined.  Hardly fun, especially while nursing a New Year's hangover.

So, this year I'd like to help you all.  Here are five new ways to make New Year's resolutions.  In fact, I'm not going to call these 'resolutions' because, by their very nature, they are different, fun and radical.  With this in mind, I'll call them 'revolutions':

1. Choose more of what's working

Rather than look at what you want to change about yourself, or dislike about yourself, look at what's working for you.  Why was last year so good!?  What are you doing that's enjoyable, successful and fun?  When you've identified what these things are, simply look at how you can maximize them, do them more, and do them better!






2. Start a New Year's Revolution jar

Get a jar and put a label on it that says 'Why 2014 is great!'.  Whenever you do something special, have some success (no matter how small), get some luck, have fun, see something beautiful, smile, laugh, enjoy something or somebody, or see something funny, then simply jot it down on a scrap of paper, fold it up and place it in the jar.  When December 31st comes around, you'll have a whole heap of things that make you appreciate how awesome you and your life is!




3. Make a list of LESS and MORE

This is simple.  Make a list of things you want to do more of in 2014 and things you'd like to do less of.  Put this list in a prominent place.  Read it every day.  Do it every day!








4. Make goals that are fun! 

It's OK to want things in life.  More importantly, ask yourself this; why do I want them?  Set goals that mean something to you, but above all, that are FUN!  There's little point in doing something you don't love or enjoy.  After all, isn't this the meaning of life?



 
5. It's not Happy New Year, it's Happy New Day.

Let's face it,  New Year's Eve to New Year's Day is simply the transition of one day to another.  Nothing really changes significantly in this time.  Don't put pressure on yourself that everything must change in 24 hours.  Simply see your goals as 365 small steps.





Happy New Year to you all, and the very best of luck!

Warmly,

Matt.