The Formula for Creating Effective New Year's Resolutions

It’s that time of the year again. It’s time for new year's resolutions. We all have at some point experienced the excitement that comes with making our new year's resolutions and the guilt that comes with breaking them. For a while, I actually hated making resolutions and actively any conversation about them. They felt like an inevitable failure, so my life felt easier when I didn’t make them. But this year, I changed my mind. I decided to create a list of resolutions that is different from all the others I’ve created.

Create resolutions that fit you

I think this is the biggest issue with new year's resolutions. It’s always so tempting to add resolutions that fit the world’s typical idea of what a “healthy”, “good” life should be. For years, one of my goals was to start my day at 7 am. But screw that. I’m not a morning person and I will never be. In fact, I hate mornings so waking up at 7 sets me up for an unproductive day and makes me grumpy. So I took it off my list because I know that it doesn’t work for me.

Is there a really obscure thing you’d like to achieve this year? Add it to the list. One of my resolutions is to create a solution to organize the wires and chargers around my desk. I find them very and no matter how many times I organize they always end up unruly and annoying to look at. But it’s something I am planning on solving this year.

Just remember, not every goal is suitable for you. Choose the ones that fit with who you are and what your body responds to.

Make positive resolutions

New Year’s resolution always feels like I’m guilt-tripping myself.

“Stop eating unhealthy food”

“Don’t procrastinate your work”

“Stop wasting money”

It may seem like tough love that’s going to motivate you to finally stick to your resolutions. But they’re just mean. Resolutions should be about feeling good about yourself, not disappointed. When you look at the list, it should make you feel excited for the future and proud of your progress, not guilty for the way you’ve been living your life. We are all a work-in-progress and our resolutions should make us feel proud of that fact.

So this year, try making positive, encouraging resolutions.

“Eat food that makes feel good about yourself or makes you happy”

“Go after the things you want in life”

“Spend money on things that bring you joy”

Don’t overwhelm yourself

This is another big one for me because I usually make a list thinking that I am gonna be superwoman by the end of the year. The truth is we are just human and we will still be human next year. So don’t add 20 things to your list. Narrow it down to 5 things that will truly make a difference in your life. And I know what you’re thinking, “Did I really waste a resolution on unruly wires when I only have five?” The answer is yes, yes I did because they are very bothersome and since I spend most of my day at my desk, fixing them will improve my life. I stand by that resolution, but I digress.

Don’t make your list so long to the point that you feel frustrated just looking at it. Make it short and sweet and focus on things that will provide you with the most value.

Be flexible

I’ve mentioned a few times how we’re all human and because of that, sometimes we’re gonna be lazy. And that’s okay. Don’t pressure yourself too much. This isn’t a boot camp; it is your life. If you don’t give yourself a break, you will burn out and never complete your resolutions.

Here’s a secret no one talks about you can change your resolution throughout the year. If something is not working for you, adjust it. It’s not quitting; it’s adapting. It’s always better to change your resolution than abandon it completely.

With all that in mind, I created my new year's resolutions and I feel so much happier with my list this year. It feels more like an exciting adventure than a difficult obligation. Remember resolutions should you make you happier not ruin your self-esteem.