So, you completed another year around the sun. I suppose a congratulations is in order.
Did you make a New Year’s resolution this year? What was it? Will you follow through?
Unfortunately, we usually don’t. The stereotype that people buy a gym membership just to stop going after two weeks is all too true.
Why is it that it’s so hard for us to stick to our resolutions and fail to build these new habits or whatever you may have resolved to do? It’s not like we don’t want to exercise more or read more or spend less time on our phone.
I’ve written before about the fickle nature of motivation and a way to combat it. Today, I wanted to shift towards a different tactic: Limiting enablers.
Motivation is fickle, discipline is better, but we’re surrounded by distractions and options every moment of the day. We have the internet in our pocket and junk food in the fridge.
When you’re going about your New Year’s duties, it may help to limit your access to things that would get you off track.
For example, when I’m trying to read, I often leave my phone in the other room because when it’s right in my pocket or beside me, I have a hard time focusing in on the book.
When I’ve decided to put down the queso dip, I simply don’t buy junk food when I grocery shop. That way, when I go fridge-diving, the only options available are the healthy ones.
The hardest thing about starting a new habit or doing something different is just that, starting. It’s easier to scroll mindlessly online than it is to read pages of text; even though it might eat up more time than reading a chapter or two. It’s easier to open a bag of chips than to wash carrots; even though it only takes a minute.
Mind you, I fail miserably at this sometimes despite me preaching to you about it. Regardless, the most important thing for us is to keep trying. I’m not telling you anything new by saying it doesn’t matter how many times you fall down as long as you keep getting back up. One day, you’ll win.
Your new resolution doesn’t have to be something life changing. In fact, sometimes it’s better to start small. The big things can seem too big if we’re not ready and then we don’t even bother. You wouldn’t try running a marathon without building up to it so why try to change something big overnight?
Even if you’re still working on it December 31st this year, keep working on it.
My New Year’s resolution?
Walk the dog more often because she deserves it.
Thank you for reading.