How to Stick to Your New Year's Resolutions (Malta-friendly)
How to Stick to Your New Year's Resolutions (Malta-friendly)
2022. Another year over and gone in what feels like a flash. With our lives being as hectic and unpredictable as they are, it proves to sometimes be a challenge in being able to accomplish the goals we set for ourselves. Here, we’ll look at different ways you can come up with resolutions that are both practical and realistic that in turn, will guide and support you in succeeding in what you want to achieve.
1. Know the five w’s and one h
Of course, it’s important to know what you want, but it is just as crucial as understanding when, where, why and how you want it. Understanding and asking yourself these questions will allow you to have a higher chance of success in accomplishing your resolution. You’ll be able to have an in-depth understanding of the goal you want to reach. A breakdown of the sorts of questions to ask yourself include;
- Who is this for/ who will be involved?
- What do I want to accomplish/ what do I need to do to accomplish this?
- When do I want this to be accomplished?
- Where will I accomplish this? (if your resolution is to become fit, lose weight or be more active, then the gym, a home workout area or a sporting club are your ideal locations. For this resolution to be successful, you would need to allow time in your schedule to work out or travel to get to the location. Additionally, taking walks/running around the block is another ideal location/way to help achieve your goal.)
- Why do I want to accomplish this?
- How will I accomplish this?
2. Start small and progress slowly
Just like they say, slow and steady wins the race. Most times when we want to change, we often make drastic adjustments that often, end up in failure. Start slowly so you allow yourself the chance to become familiar and comfortable with the new change and not feel overwhelmed. For example, if you want to reduce your consumption of pastizzi (which seems to be quite the challenge when on almost every corner lies a Pastizzeria oozing with aromas of pastizzi and pizza), start small. If you find yourself eating three weekly, cut it down to two. Become comfortable with the thought of altering your intake before making any drastic decision. Try this for a week or so and then cut it down to one. Taking everything step by step and remembering that change won’t happen overnight, will help you stick to your resolution. This is a gradual and slow process but rest assured, it is all contributing to the final outcome.
3. Have an idea of what you want to achieve before the New Year begins
If you allow yourself time to acknowledge and understand what it is that you want to achieve, you’ll have a better chance of being successful. By doing this, you can start preparing yourself and planning, allowing you to become familiar with what you need to do before you even need to do it. By thinking in advance, you’ll be more organised with the goal/resolution you want to achieve. December in Malta is often quite cool, so allow the colder weather and time off of work (Christmas break) to sit down and take the time to write notes or create lists of the things you want to change or improve on in the New Year. By the time 1 January arrives, you’ll have a clear and direct vision and you’ll be able to go through the notes at your own leisure at any time of the New Year to maintain focus and commitment.
4. Regularly check in with yourself
By checking in with yourself, you’ll be able to see the progress you have made as well as what else needs to be done in order to succeed. If for example, you want to live a more healthy lifestyle by choosing to eat healthier foods, check and see what foods you ate over the last week and how they made you feel. Did they give you more energy? Did that specific food make you feel fuller for longer? Did a specific food make you feel sick? By assessing such things, you’ll be able to analyse what’s working for you and perhaps what isn’t. Additionally, you’ll see all of the progress you made when you check in with yourself which in turn, will motivate you to continue working hard to help be the best version of yourself.
5. Tell someone what you want to achieve
Maltese families love talking and listening to each other and finding out what’s new and who’s dating who, so use that to your advantage and tell someone close to you about your resolution and what you want to achieve. You’ll feel more determined and supported. Knowing that someone else is aware, will help push you to stick to your goal and complete your resolution. Additionally, they’ll be able to offer you a support system and will be there with you to help guide you along the way. In a sense, having someone else know will motivate you to accomplish what you set yourself up to do as you’ll want to show them that you were successful and stuck to your word all along.
If you’re able to read this before the New Year begins, hopefully, it will give you some clarity, motivation and support to set realistic goals and be able to achieve everything you set yourself up to do. Remember, even if you start in the New Year, it’s never too late. You’ve got this.
6. Don’t feel pressured to make a New Year’s resolution
