With New Year’s resolutions, we commit to creating change in the hopes our lives will improve.
“A lot of people see the new year as an end of one segment of time and the logical, natural time to hit the reset button and go after some changes,” says Striker Corbin, a speaker and success coach at Striker Corbin Hypnosis & Success Coaching in Hauppauge. “Anytime you look to improve yourself, that’s a positive thing.”
For some, reflecting on 2018 may be more of a reminder of what went wrong rather than right. If last year’s goals didn’t come to fruition or if you’re looking to set the bar higher this time around, fear not. We’ve got tips from the experts on how to make your resolutions stick for 2019.
CHANGE IS POSSIBLE
“It is paramount to believe in yourself because it’s your thoughts plus the emotions you attach to them that determine your outcomes,” says Corbin.
Assume you can do anything you set your mind to.
“Build your business but take time to do the things that feed your soul,” says Corbin. Do what makes you happy — and relaxed — as often as you can. “Remember to get out in nature and hike, listen to music, drive, meditate, work out.”
BE REALISTIC
Set an attainable goal for which you could see results sooner than later, suggests Marc Buccellato, who co-owns On the Marc Training, a Long Island mobile fitness company, with his wife, Monique.
Be specific in your language. Aim to lose a half a pound to a pound per week vs. 50 pounds this year.
“Just a like job and getting promotions, good things take time,” and work, he says.
CONSISTENCY IS KEY
For people to stay fit and obtain their goals, it’s really about consistency.
“You want to be able to train three times per week to get results and maintain results,” says Buccellato. “Stay active on the days you are not training.”
Take a walk, ride your bike, or rake leaves.
MAKE A PLAN
If you want to save money, “break it down” says Alex Jamieson, a coach and mentor on Long Island. “Be the person who says ‘no’ to the impulse buys and who decides to cook at home rather than eat out.”
Start small. If your goal is to eat healthier, add healthier food to your grocery list. If you want to be more positive, “avoid toxic relationships and becoming overly focused on social media,” suggests Jamieson.
Will you need childcare? Can you afford to join a gym?
Discuss options with your partner or close friend. Make them aware of how important your goals are.
MONITOR YOUR PROGRESS
Utilize apps like Trello to track results — sleep hours, for example — or Google Calendar to note activities completed and missed, suggests Jamieson.
“How many days did I go outside for a walk? Have I gone to Pilates this week?”
Check in with yourself.
“How am I feeling?” Pencil in “me time” as well as quality time with friends and family.
START INSIDE
Whether it’s losing weight, exercising more, or saving money, “If a person starts working on their self-esteem or negativity, they are going to feel more deserving of setting certain resolutions and probably be more successful, too,” says Kathleen Dwyer-Blair, director and owner of Nassau Guidance and Counseling.
Practice gratitude, she suggests.
There may be underlying causes that make accomplishing resolutions challenging, says Dwyer-Blair.
“Consider, ‘Are there emotional obstacles preventing me from living the life I want?’”
A therapist can help identify the source of struggle and “help individuals work through it.”
PLAN FOR MISTAKES
“If you mess up, come from a place of curiosity,” advises Jamieson.
Was it an achievable goal?
“Successful people will make mistakes or fail, yet they see each step as an opportunity to grow their level of awareness,” reminds Corbin.
