As the calendar flips to a new year, the big empty boxes and blank lines on To Do lists await our dreams for the New Year: lose weight, save money, learn French and more selfcare. Oh, the naive optimism of January 1st…. Or, let’s be honest, the 2nd. I get to the gym early, decked out in my new gear ,and armed with a new water bottle and playlist that was carefully curated on the 1st, because the gym was closed for the holiday. After giving it my all at the gym that day, I cannot walk for the rest of the week.
But that’s OK, because the first week of January is also time for a health makeover: Kale smoothies, quinoa, blueberries and fresh cooked meals every day. Oh, but work…. Promised myself I’d set daily goals and meet those as well. That’s a real challenge to the work-life balance, which is also on the list of resolutions for the new year.
It quickly becomes apparent that once again, moderation is key. Making New Year’s resolutions is like a chaotic rollercoaster ride: thrilling at first, but soon a series of ups and downs. That is why it is important to try, but not to take myself too seriously, and be realistic.
Expectations need to be managed.
The truth is so many of us dive into the New Year with grand plans, often forgetting that change takes time. We want to transform into superhumans overnight with new organizers, fancy workout gear, and green juice cleanses, but in reality, there are still Netflix shows to binge, and sweatpants to relax in, and only 16 waking hours in a day.
To avoid the annual ritual of abandoning our ambitious promises by February, here are some strategies to employ:
• Embrace the power of “mostly.” “I will mostly eat healthy” allows for the occasional pizza binge, without triggering a full-blown existential crisis, and the “abandon ship” attitude that often follows. “Mostly” is your new best friend.
• Find an accountability partner.
It’s harder to let others down than ourselves, so this adds one extra step before you can just throw in the towel for the day.
• Prepare for the inevitable relapse. Misery loves company, so if you do derail, it is more fun to commiserate with your accountability partner over your shared lack of will power, and pick each other up the next day to start over. The best New Year’s resolution is to enjoy the ride. Laugh at the bumps in the road, embrace the successes, and reward yourself often. Be present and enjoy the NOW of each moment. Happy New Year!
