Did you ring in the new calendar year with a long list of resolutions? Most of us find those resolutions fading away before January 31st. This can be extremely frustrating. So, what to do if you find yourself setting goals only to see them fall by the wayside? Part of the issue may be unrealistic expectations and goals. Breaking down desired goals and resolutions into a reasonable process, supported by self-acceptance and love, can help set you up to succeed.
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It can be helpful to understand that if you attempt to go directly from point A to point Z, you skip key steps and the important building blocks that facilitate sustained long-term change. Doing this sets you up for failure.
For example, if you have been drinking six cups of coffee a day for the past fifteen years and ring in the new year resolving, “no more coffee ever again!”. Without a baby step-by-baby step plan in place that supports gradual changes, chances are you will probably have a nice cup of hot coffee in your hands the very next morning.
A new calendar year, birthdays, or the beginning of any cycle provides the perfect opportunity to reflect, refresh, and renew on all levels. Taking the time to regroup and re-evaluate what is working and what is not working in your life affords the occasion to fine tune any current intentions or goals. Letting go and releasing that which is not working in your life actually makes room for positive change.
Looking toward, not only setting new intentions, but also looking to fill in areas of your life where healthy supports may be lacking, provides a sense of clarity. Re-evaluating current intentions and goals supports sustainable change. This is foundational to the ability to take positive action and follow through day to day with what is needed to actually reach your desired intentions and goals.
Breaking down your goals into bite size pieces shifts your sense of overwhelm and frustration into attainable life changes.
Here are some helpful suggestions to get you started:
So, the next time you feel your resolutions and goals slipping out of reach, try breaking them down into bite size pieces!