How to make New Year's resolutions that don't suck

Firstly, you do not have to make a resolution. But if you think you might like to and don't know how to make one that feels good, and lasts the year, read on.

If you haven't made a resolution yet, it is not too late. Yes I know it's already the New Year. But this year we're making our own rules, okay? Great now that's settled.

If you already have your resolution, read on anyway, because you might be setting yourself up for a tough time without even realising.

New Year's resolutions can be tricky. They can be a source of stress and feel like an obligation. But I think I've cracked it! I have been making, and most importantly keeping, my new year's resolutions since I was 19 without breaking my back bending over backward to do it. Here I want to share with you my tried and tested method to make New Year's resolutions that actually stick!

What do I focus on?

If you choose to make a resolution, do something that makes you truly happy. The real happy, None of this 'strategic self-loathing presenting as motivation' rubbish. Because we know that happiness = healthy. Think 'bucket lists, new talents, and life enriching activities'.

Also, you don't have to decide immediately. I usually wait a bit and go about my life. Eventually I’m hit with a eureka moment sometime in January where my resolution just comes to me. Open your eyes and ears and it'll come to you too.

How do I make it last?

Making a lasting resolution requires a few key things. Your resolution needs to be specific, measurable, and realistic. You need to know 'why' you're doing it and you need to know 'how' you're going to achieve it. You need a plan.

So sit down and make a plan! Think about what has stopped you from achieving it before, and how you will overcome those obstacles now. Think about what you may have to give up, or buy, or remind yourself of, to help you achieve your goal. And then go and do it.

What's the secret?

All of this is important. But in my humble opinion the most important bit is this… Focus on what you gain, rather than what you lose.

Gain strength, gain your driver's license, gain a bigger savings account, gain more 'me time', gain the deposit for your first home, gain a new hobby or skill. Whatever it is, frame it as something you are gaining, something that you can work towards. Do not frame it as something you need to resist, limit, or discipline yourself to do. Trust me on this one!

You tell yourself you need to lose weight by giving up eating sugar… it won’t stick. If your resolution is to gain energy by sleeping 8 hours a night, drinking 2L water, and eating more fruits and veggies, the other stuff will just come along for the ride!

P.s. Understanding your 'why' should help with this.

What if I fail?

If you slip up, that's okay! Just dust yourself off, remind yourself of who you are and what you're made of, and start again. Who cares if your resolution slipped your mind for a moment? You're only human.

Also, remember how I said we're making our own rules this year? We get to adjust our goals if we need to. You might add a 3 strike rule, or a caveat. That's okay, as long as it stays in line with your 'why'.

That's it?

Yup! Go forth and conquer the New Year's Resolution! Feel free to message me to ask for personalised advice and have a look at instagram for a few more examples of possible resolutions that don't suck 💛 To subscribe to my amazingly wise and hilarious (and clearly unconcerned with modesty) weekly newsletters email me at trainwithtaliabrighton@gmail.com 😘