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It’s 2017! Give yourself a mental high five! You deserve it. A lot happened last year. We lost Bowie, went through the craziest election seen in decades, and how many times has The Simpsons predicted our future?! So, how are you going to cleanse that icky feeling 2016 left behind? If you are like most, you enter the New Year with a fresh start and a new resolution. Perhaps you intend to pick up a new hobby or get serious about working out, or become more aware of social and political issues. Whatever your goals are for 2017, this is the year you get it done. Here are a few things to keep in mind during your adventure.
Start Small
You don’t always want to go all in when dealing with tough habits. Try changing one thing at a time as a way to maximize chances of success. Take a crack at replacing unwanted habits with a better alternative. If your resolution is to read more, you might try skipping the cinematic production of Live By Night and read Dennis Lehane’s novel instead. You may also want to take the time to analyze the obstacle by writing a detailed plan. Understanding what leads you to do the things you do will help in visualizing your goals and acknowledging your weaknesses.
Tell Someone…or Don’t
Seeking others who have experience in what it is you are doing can be a tremendous help. Your support system can help you avoid your triggers and provide an encouraging atmosphere. However, try to limit the number of people you tell when tackling tough resolutions you are serious about. Some psychologists say feelings of social satisfaction may keep us from completing tasks. You might not be inclined to learn German when you have already received the congratulatory pat on the back from your peers. Sure it feels good to announce your goals to anyone within earshot, but it could also keep you from completing them.
Failure is Part of the Journey to Success
“No human ever became interesting by not failing. The more you fail, recover, and improve, the better you are as a person.” An idol of mine, Chris Hardwick once spoke this simple truth. Know what you may deem as defeat does not mean it has to be. As humans, we learn from experience. If you have relapsed in your approach then examine what lead to you to do so. Adjust your perspective of failure and see it as a part of the process of change.
It all comes down to your personality and how you handle situations. Is it easier for you to get through obstacles by talking about them or not? Is going cold turkey how you solved previous habits? How much do you want the thing you seek? Be honest with your intentions and know that no matter what happens, you will grow.
