Before I start this post I’d just like to wish you all A Wonderfully Happy New Year and I hope all your goals and dreams come true.
It’s that time of year again – the time when we reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the one ahead. But if you’re like me and many others, you find yourself making the same resolutions year after year, only to break them within the first few weeks of the new year.
What did I Achieve Last Year?
My Repeated Resolutions – every year I plan to start a regular exercise regime, eat healthy, lose weight and overcome any health issues. Improving my French and growing my business are usually included in there too. I’ve found notebooks going back 10 years that start with exactly the same intentions. I don’t think I actually made resolutions last year just had positive intentions, but what I did achieve was:
- I started writing this blog, I always resolved to write a book in the past but it was too much of a commitment to stick too. I love to write though so writing a blog and all the other articles on this website is a perfect way to express myself.
- I started a YouTube channel – I haven’t published much on it yet but I have lots of material ready to put together and lots more ideas of content I’d like to put on there. So the framework is in place.
- I did do a lot more exercise, not as much as I hoped but I did start a little personal class with a friend so we motivated each other to keep it up, a few (non related) injuries put a temporary halt to them however.
- I finally got a dental implant for a lost crown which was making me feel a bit self conscious and took a couple of year to get an appointment to fix.
- I had a cardiac ablation procedure which looks like it may have resolved my Atrial Fibrillation.
- I finally travelled to the UK to see family for the first time in three years.
What stops us sticking to our Resolutions
Before I make my resolutions I thought I’d reflect on why we struggle to stick to our resolutions, even when we’re determined to make positive changes in our lives?
One reason might be that we’re too ambitious. We make resolutions that are hard to maintain, setting ourselves up for failure from the start.
Another reason might be that we’re not specific enough. We make vague resolutions like “exercise more” or “eat healthier,” without a clear plan of action or accountability.
Some tips to help you make sure that you stick to your resolutions this year?
- Make specific and achievable resolutions. Instead of resolving to “lose weight,” aim to “lose 5 pounds in the next month” or “cook at home three times a week.” Specific and achievable goals are more likely to lead to success.
- Create a plan. Once you’ve set your resolution, break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. For example, if you want to “exercise more,” decide which days of the week you’ll go to the gym, what workouts you’ll do, and for how long.
- Find accountability. It can be helpful to have someone to check in with and report your progress to. Whether it’s a friend, a coach, or a support group, having someone to hold you accountable can make a big difference.
- Don’t beat yourself up if you slip up. No one is perfect, and it’s okay if you have an off day or two. The important thing is to get back on track as soon as possible and keep moving forward.
- Celebrate your successes. As you accomplish your goals, take a moment to recognize and celebrate your progress. This will help you stay motivated and continue making progress towards your resolutions.
When the above tips don’t work
The tips above are great and would have worked for me years ago but unfortunately my fibromyalgia symptoms of exhaustion, pain and brain fog do prevent me from sticking to a regular exercise and diet plan. I do my best and stick to it when I’m able to. I have supportive and encouraging friends and I don’t beat myself up. That is why I’m still positive about achieving results and overcoming my limitations.
So this year I will still have the same goals in mind but instead of having a plan for them I’m going to address the underlying problems which are:
Resolving the pain I have that particularly hinders my progress. I’m suffering terrible with lower back and hip pain at the moment and I had a fall a month or so ago and injured my shoulder which has improved but is still painful when I do too much and I have had knee problems for over ten years.
I’m going to try to overcome my sleep problems as good sleep is essential for healing as well as having the energy to perform daily tasks etc.
If I have energy and no fear of pain then I will be able to stick to the healthy habits on a regular basis.
So an outline of my action plan for 2023 is:
- Have XRays and MRI on problem areas to see if there is any medical action to be taken.
- Follow any medical advice given.
- Go to see an osteopath to help with joint pain.
- Improve sleep hygiene.
- Practice Yoga stretching and breathing exercises to help with both pain and sleep.
- Remember to use my own therapies on myself where possible e.g. Self-massage, Reflexology and Reiki.
Unrelated Resolutions:
- Read one book a month.
- Publish my first YouTube video by the end of February
I’ll leave it at that now and I will review and update regularly on future blog posts.
Thank you for taking the time to read my post. If you like this article please take look at some of my other pages or blog posts where I talk about different therapies and my own wellbeing journey and if you’d like to see future posts then please enter your email address and click on the subscribe button below and you will be notified of future content. I have no plans to use your email address for any other purpose. Feel free to share my page with anyone you feel may be interested and if you have any feedback about what I write or suggestions for further articles then please use the comment box further down the page. Warmest Wishes, Janet x