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New Year, New You

As we continue our journey into the new year, we are presented with many opportunities. Some of these opportunities include setting new years resolutions. Many people set new years resolutions and may in a way look forward to the new year for this opportunity. However, the excitement does not seem to last, and we see that it is very common for new year resolutions to come to a pause or close only after a few short weeks into the new year.

If you are looking at growing and developing into a new version of you this year, then let’s look at how we can do this by beginning with a few questions to get us started. What is the purpose of a new year’s resolution? Do I have to wait until the new year to make these resolutions? How do I ensure I am not going to completely stop working towards my resolutions or take too long of a pause?

The word resolution implies we have a problem that needs to be solved, and the resolution is the answer. It means we need a solution. How do we determine what resolution is required to solve the problem? Frist, we need to identify what the problem is. You may feel bad about how you communicate, or how your body feels, or how you manage your emotions, etc. Explore your experiences over the last year and create a list of what you would like to be different this year.  Once you have identified the problems you would like to work on, narrow it down to one or two. It is important not to overwhelm yourself by trying to solve too many problems at the same time. It is not a race, but a journey. Now that you have your problem list narrowed down to one or two problems you would like to focus on this year, you are ready for the next step, exploration of solutions. Create a list of all the possible solutions that may solve your problem. Are these solutions achievable? If so, identify which solution you feel would be best to try first. With all the best solutions picked, we can now break it down a little further. This is an important step as it will help you identify what specifically you need to do to achieve your solution, which in turn will help you solve your problem. Looking at your solution, what steps do you need to take to achieve the solution? Write them down and make them measurable. Making steps measurable helps you see the progress you are making which will help keep you motivated to stay the course to become a new and improved version of you.  How many times a week are you going to engage in activities that help you calm your body down, or spend quality time with your kids or significant other talking about interests?

Once you have your problem identified, solutions chosen, and action steps on the ready, you are all set! Now go become the new you!

But wait! Do I have to wait until the New Year to be able to start my resolutions? The answer to this is No. You can identify goals and create your plan of action to reach your goals at any time of the year. Many people choose the new year, because it feels like a new beginning. However, a new beginning can come at any time of the year. By choosing a specific date you would like to start working on your goals, it can help you prepare your mind for the changes you are about to make. You can start next week or even tomorrow. Making changes is hard, we know this. Prepare your mind and yourself for the coming change. Write out your plan of action to resolve your problem. Create a vision board to stimulate your mind and remind yourself why you want to change this behavior. Find an accountability partner to help encourage you. All of these are ways to help you maintain your motivation for change. Good luck on your journey to growing into the person you want to be!

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