It’s not that I don’t believe in making New Year’s resolutions or anything, it’s just that nothing changes from December 31st to January 1st, except for the calendar date.
Just because the date changes doesn’t mean we’re any more disciplined and different than yesterday. This stuff takes time and consistent hard work.
And let’s not kid ourselves – we tend to gorge during the holidays and on New Year’s Eve (and day) which makes it that much harder to start the momentum of sticking to a New Year’s resolution since we’re also detoxing for loads of sugar.
No one should start a new year feeling like this or feel defeated just a few weeks (or days) in.
So what can you do instead?
I’m so glad you asked.
Today, I’ll share an alternative option that’s worked for me as well as some better resolutions than the ol’ lose 10 lbs this year.
But before I give you 22 alternative resolutions, I want to talk about why you shouldn’t wait to start yours.
Stop Waiting for New Year’s to Roll Around
Instead of waiting for January 1st to roll around, why not get started today?
After all, there’s no better time than now, right?
The truth is, the more we put off things, the less likely we are to do them. And the more those things will loom over us.
Ever notice how most of us do a big hoorah before we try to buckle down and fit into our New Year’s resolutions but then when we try to commit, it’s that much harder because we went all out leading up to the big day?
Yeah, it’s time to change that. And you can do that right now.
Start drafting a plan that you can implement today and stop using that tomorrow logic that somehow on January 1st you’ll suddenly change into a more motivated and disciplined human being out of nowhere. We’re not Cinderella and this is real life, not some magical fairytale.
If you want to dip your toes in the water, start with a 5, 7, 10, 14, or 22 day challenge if that’s less intimidating.
But remember, change takes time. And it takes a solid plan.
On top of that, I think most of us are going about this whole New Year’s resolution thing all wrong. We’re so focused on the results that we make the wrong commitment.
Don’t Commit to Results, Commit to the Process
Somewhere along the way, when we were told to make our goals specific (you know the whole S.M.A.R.T goals thing), we started focusing on the wrong things — like losing 10 lbs.
The thing is, and especially in that case, losing 10 lbs is no easy feat. And there are a ton of factors that can affect this goal. Some are within your control while others aren’t.
My suggestion would be to stop making your goals all about the results you want to achieve and start committing to the process instead.
You can control how often you do something, such as working out or eating junk food, while you may not be able to control the results you achieve from doing these things.
Instead of making your goal lose X lbs this year, commit to going to the gym (or going for a walk or working out at home) 2-3/week to start instead and make plans to fit this in your schedule.
By doing this, you can achieve small wins — if you make it 2/week, you’ve accomplished the minimum end of your goal. This gives you that positive momentum you’ll need to keep going and will also help you see results faster.
On the flipside, if you workout 3x/week and step on the scale after a month of this new lifestyle and don’t see progress, you’re more likely to quit and feel defeated.
And, once again, that’s no way to start your new year off.
Another issue that could be getting in your way each year is that you don’t have a resolution you really believe in. I’ll touch more on this next.
You’re Wasting Your Time With Half-ass Attempts
Part of the problem with New Year’s resolutions is that we’re not as invested in our goals as we think.
Yes, we all want to feel lighter and weigh less. But how many of us actually want to put in the work to achieve this?
I’m not suggesting that you make easier resolutions, rather, I think it’s time to make ones you actually care about.
Because if you really cared about losing weight and getting healthy, you would stop at nothing to do so.
That’s how those the people in those impressive before and after photos you see online and in things like The Biggest Loser happen. Those people worked hard and didn’t just dip their toes in the change pool — they went all in.
If you’re not willing to go all in for your resolution, it’s not worth making. Half-ass attempts will get you half-ass results that will make you feel worse off than when you started.
Instead of choosing the same resolution every other year, the same one you don’t fully believe in, and the one that never seems to stick, why not try something different?
Up next, I’ll show you realistic alternatives you’ll actually want to use this year.
Stop Using the Same Ol’ Resolutions (Try One of These Instead)
The point of having a New Year’s resolution is to make positive changes in your life.
But those changes have to start with baby steps. And these little steps need to be consistent.
Because of that, I’m going to offer alternative resolutions that involve baby steps instead of ginormous ones.
Here it goes:
1. Text 1 friend or family member something nice every day or every other day. (Or once a week if that’s too much
2. Compliment 1 stranger every day or every other day.
3. Set up a “complaint jar” where you add $1 for every complaint you make in a day. Donate the money to charity. Also, replace your complaint with something positive.
4. Do the same thing as #3 except for negative self talk or negative talk in general. This could be you judging, resenting, or criticizing yourself or someone else. Every time you do it, it will cost you a dollar.
5. Stretch for 15 minutes every day..longer if you can.
6. Journal for 5 minutes every day…twice a day if you can. And set a timer.
7. Say a prayer for someone else every morning and night.
8. Take the time to see 1 friend or family member each week. If you can’t see them physically, FaceTime them instead of just texting them.
9. Make a list of all the things that make you uncomfortable. Start tackling each one on a weekly or monthly basis.
10. Practice gratitude twice per day. Write down 10 things you’re grateful for at the beginning of the day and at the end of your day. You should have 20 different things each day.
11. Visualize your success. Whether that’s visualizing a good day or week or a good presentation, imagine yourself kicking ass despite anything your mind is chiming in with. Do this in the shower, right after you wake up, or any other time you can close your eyes for a few minutes.
12. Treat yourself to one thing per week. Doesn’t have to be expensive and it shouldn’t involve food or watching TV. It should be something that will recharge you instead of making you feel worse.
13. Practice saying no. If you really don’t want to do something, don’t cave into pressures to do so. Don’t give a reason for saying no either. Just thank the person and say no. End of story.
14. Work on something you love. This could be a puzzle, writing, painting, you name it. Do something you love for 30 minutes – 1 hr each day. You can even do less if you don’t have time.
15. Try 1 thing new every week. It could be food, an adventure, or a workout routine. It’s time to step out of your shell and try something new.
16. Get outside. Aim to walk at least 15 minutes each day and outside. If that’s not feasible, do an hour walk 1x/week..outside, no excuses. Nature is good for you! Forest bathing is even better! (no nudity involved)
17. Make yourself a healthy salad or smoothie every day. Bonus points for doing both daily.
18. Practice listening more than speaking anytime you’re out with friends or family members.
19. Put your phone down and away and get lost in the moment.
20. Read a book for 30 minutes each day.
21. Close your eyes and meditate anywhere from 3, 5, or even 10 minutes. Just shut everything off and tune in.
22. Do something that you used to love doing as a kid. Climb a tree (safely of course!), color/draw,paint, or make jewelry…you get my point. Do something that you once used to love doing but have since stopped doing since adulting.
Get Started Today
Don’t wait for the 31st to roll around.
Instead, vow today to knock out a 7 to 14 day challenge of your choice.
A quick Google search should be able to provide a pre-made one that you can just follow along with.
Tackle this and you’ll have enough momentum this New Year’s to actually be unstoppable.
To kicking butt this year and for the rest of your life,
Devan