Check Point on New Year’s Resolutions

“New year, new me.” Most of us have said this single statement every time a new year comes around. Some say it more or less than others, but we all say it for a reason. The new year is a clean slate for many of us – a fresh start, a new beginning, a chance to do what we weren’t able to in previous years. With this comes a set of goals we hope to accomplish - our New Year’s resolutions.

By the time we reach a few weeks or months into the new year, the shine and excitement of our New Year’s resolutions often begin to fade away. Journals remain blank, gym routines feel like a chore, same old eating habits continue, and the planned goals that we were so optimistic about begin to feel insignificant or hard to reach. This may lead us to think we are falling behind or failing altogether. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone — it truly happens to the best of us. You aren’t a failure because of this. Life happens, changes are inevitable, and it is okay to veer off the path of your goals. Changes and detours are realistically a part of the process.  

We often set resolutions with the hope of improving ourselves, but sometimes we forget that certain resolutions can add pressure. In turn, that pressure can trigger stress, anxiety, or even burnout. When resolutions begin to feel heavy rather than motivating, that may signify the need for a checkpoint. A checkpoint is not a time to judge or criticize yourself, but instead it is an opportunity to reflect on the progress you’ve made.

So, what does a healthy checkpoint actually look like?

1.       Self-awareness: Become aware of what may or may not be working regarding your set goals. Take a moment to pause, reflect, and assess how you're feeling. Ask yourself - Have you made progress? Are there areas that need tweaking? Are you taking care of yourself mentally and emotionally along the way?

2.       Grace: Instead of beating yourself up about your perceived lack of progression, acknowledge the fact that goals take time to achieve and may even change over time.

3.       Compassion: Be kind and compassionate to yourself. You are allowed to have setbacks and reevaluate. New Year’s resolutions aren’t about perfection, but they are about growth and who you become in the process.

4.       Adjustment: Know that you can adjust your goals as needed, such as if they no longer align or resonate with you or if you simply want to work towards something else. IT IS OKAY TO CHANGE YOUR MIND.

5.       Giving Yourself Credit: Give yourself credit and celebrate the small wins. We often wait until we fully achieve a goal before we celebrate. But the truth is, small milestones deserve celebration too (e.g., eating some fruit for dessert instead of a cupcake; going to the gym twice a week instead of once). No matter how small it may seem, a win is a win!

By keeping these things in mind and putting them into practice, you are reinforcing empowerment, a positive mindset, and boosting your confidence to persevere.

In the midst of a checkpoint, think to yourself - How can I honor both my growth so far and the freedom to start again?