I have always found it fascinating how, at the beginning of a new year there are lots of promises we make to ourselves that we often fail to keep. What can we do differently to be sure we are making promises/resolutions we are keeping. Last year I made a resolution to go to the gym at least 2 times a week and I kept it VERY well until I broke my ankle on July 1. Sometimes our plans/resolutions can be interrupted with an event such as this, but many times the thing that interrupts our resolution is our lack of drive, or passion to actually make the changes we say we want to make.
This may be just me, but I have found that if I make more reasonable goals, or resolutions, if you want to call them that, I keep them longer and with more passion that if I set unrealistic expectations for myself.
What is a realistic goal or expectation you can set for yourself? If you know you have no desire to go to the gym, or exercise but set a goal to do it once a week, is that a realistic expectation of yourself? Some people may push beyond their expectations. Most however would not meet that goal.
However, if the idea behind the goal is to lose weight, and you love swimming, maybe set a goal to go swimming once a week.
That seems more attainable becuase you are doing something you love while also working towards a goal that once seemed unattainable.
If your goal is to be more outgoing. Start slowly by going to your local cafe and complimenting the barista or your library and ask for help finding a book even if you know what to do.
Something else I do that helps me keep my “Resolutions” is not to call them resolutions. I start them whenever I feel the urge to improve and don’t set a time limit on the goal.
Most of us don’t need any extra pressure to perform or any additional reasons to be hard on ourselves. It is easy, especially with social media pressures to imagine we are at the bottom of the proverbial barrel on any given day. Create a goal that is do-able for you. Stop worrying about the pressure of what everyone around you is doing. (Easier said than done – I know.)
Also, since I’ve had such a hard time finding a job in town, I started substitute teaching and I have found that I absolutely love it most days.
Getting out of the house and spending time with people who are driven, not necessarily by money, but by care of little minds has filled me with joy and hope, AND has given me courage to continue to push to find a job that can fulfill me financially, mentally and emotionally. Courage to continue to push towards a better future for myself.
What is something you do to make your goals or resolutions more attainable? What goals and resolutions have you been able to keep and improve upon that have affected your life positively?
Wander Girl 
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