Why do I get started on my New Year Resolutions a month before New Year’s Eve?

From my past experiences, I’ve noticed that most people fail in keeping up with their New Year resolutions well past one month of the New Year. The time management firm FrankleyCovey has also noted that one-third of resolutioners don’t make it past January. All of this is one of the reasons why I don’t wait for December end to get started on my New Year resolutions.

I feel New Year resolutions are a new age phenomenon, but for me, it goes a little beyond what it is. The end of the year is almost poetic, and I attach a lot of value to starting over again. A whole new year is a blessing, with multiple opportunities to do what you couldn’t in the past year, the potential to push the boundaries, and face your fears all over again. Therefore, I always made a bucket list of things I would like to do right in the next year every year-end. While many will suggest being realistic with your resolutions, I believe you should go big. The higher your goal, the harder you will push yourself to do better. At the end of the year, you will notice you may not have reached the ultimate goal, but you did pretty well in the bargain. That is good enough!

I have a simple process when it comes to making New Year resolutions:

· List down your biggest goals. Don’t hold back. Let it seem crazy and unrealistic.

· Start a month or two before New Year’s Eve. Take the pressure off by getting a head start.

· Appreciate your progress, however small it may seem. Always remember to take a breather to celebrate the little moments.

· Keep a record of your progress. There is so much joy in ticking off things from a checklist. We tend to lose sight of our bigger goals; going back to a list helps put things into perspective.

· Don’t put any deadlines. You have the whole year; you can take your time and pace yourself. Remember, the idea is not to achieve things; it is to get started and keep going.

It’s okay to change your goals midway. Many times in life, we make plans, not knowing what all it entails. Our interests, passions, and priorities change as life moves on. So, it’s okay to change your mind if you need to. You can always start afresh. Isn’t that the whole point of New Year resolutions anyhow?

The end of the year is a time of reflection and planning for the future. But most importantly, it is a time of being grateful for all you have and the experiences that have shaped your life in the past year. Start early because every day is a new opportunity, and remember, a resolution is a promise you’re making to yourself. While you should ensure that you don’t let yourself down, you should also be kind to yourself. 2022 is less than a month away, and as you’re charting out your goals and resolutions, I hope you all find the courage to do everything you dreamed of and more. Making a change or trying to inculcate new habits can be daunting, but with a bit of difference in your perspective, you’ll see just how beautiful the process can be.