New Year, New Me?

       It’s that time of year again! Yes, the one time we make new promises to ourselves because we get another chance to get it right this year.  New Year’s resolutions have been around for a long time. But, have you ever really kept yours past the three month mark? In the first quarter, people are going hard, and I do mean hard, with the New Year New Me motto.

So, first off there is nothing wrong with reinventing yourself into a better version. I just know we are not going to do it overnight. And that is okay because you don’t have to. Little changes lead to big results and if you get up everyday making that intentional then you will reach your goal. 

What I told Myself About 2024

    At the end of December, I knew all my bad habits were not just gonna be no more. I knew that drinking sodas, eating honeybuns, sleeping until the very last second, and procrastinating were still going to look me in my face daily. For that reason, I told myself I will start my year off with a little bit more compassion and grace. Yes, towards other people, but mainly to myself.

Often we beat ourselves up so bad that we don’t want to continue to try. I am so guilty of this and it then puts me back into a mindset of shame. We don’t want to get caught up in that web! We can also group that with perfectionism maybe, but who knows. Practicing and reminding myself that I am going to have setbacks has been so helpful in allowing myself to grow and wanting to keep growing. 

Start Small

   That is exactly what I am trying to do everyday. I knew that if I forced the gym on myself, or changed my diet all at once, or even switched up my routine completely, those things will not stick! Personally I am a creature of habit, like most of you all are. Knowing myself, I needed to start small so that I do not overwhelm myself and just quit.

Drinking more water and less soda is steps to changing my diet. Walking or just getting up moving more was a way to ease into exercise and eventually going to the gym. Getting up earlier by thirty minutes was not going to completely through me out of routine but allows me to expand it. 

Consistency

This word means conformity in the application of something, typically that which is necessary for the sake of logic, accuracy, or fairness. If I am going to fail anywhere, it will be here. I have started 50 different projects/hobbies. They are now collecting dust. Why? I was not good with being consistent through anything new. So, as I approached 2024 I knew that in order for the change to stick, I would need to be consistent. 

Don’t Beat Yourself Up

You Will Fail! Change happens in small steps, and you will take a couple of those backwards. So you beating yourself up will only worsen the blow and leave you stagnant. Instead, speak words of encouragement. Let yourself know that we messed up but we can’t stop. Going forward write your goals down along with an affirmation to keep you motivated as you transition. Remember, Progress not Perfection. 

Be Patient

Even though you are changing and setting your goals, not everyone is. You will hear a lot of opinions about your journey. You do not have to internalize what does not apply. It sounds simple, but applying that will help you block out the negative that is holding you back from being a better version of yourself. Again, progress not perfection. That is why I said start small. Pick one, apply it, change it, and move to the next one. You are more likely to follow through when you don’t become to overwhelmed. Reflect on what you want for you and go pursue it. Go be great!