Don't be that person

New Years Eve is one of my favorite holidays! In my younger years, it was such a fun night to get dressed up to go out, celebrate, and ring in the New Year with friends and family. Now at the end of another decade, NYE looks a little different and I’m really okay with a quiet(er) night at home. It’s still one of my favorite holidays no matter how I’m ringing in the new year, as the practice of celebrating a fresh start is one of my favorite traditions. 
Let’s talk about how most people start January each year - with resolutions! Sometimes these are things they’re going to do or things they’re going to quit. According to Forbes.com, less than 25% of people actually keep working on their resolutions by January 30th. And even more surprisingly, only 8% complete their resolutions at all. I am all for challenging yourself in the new year...but do so in a way that will make that resolution a little more resolute. If you’re going to set some goals or resolutions, consider this approach:

1. Be specific. Don’t just say that you want to lose weight. How much weight are you wanting to lose? Why are you wanting to lose the weight? Will you make certain eating choices? Will you incorporate exercise? What will you have to say “yes” or “no” in order for those things to happen? So, be specific. For example, “I want to lose 20 pounds by July 1st. In order to do this, I commit to walking/jogging for 40 minutes, 3 times a week. I will also make healthy eating choices by eating sweet things in moderation such as at celebrations.” See the difference between those statements and “I’m going to lose 20 pounds this year”?  
2. Be realistic. Some of us may have resolutions that focus on a big dream...and those are amazing to have and completely do-able (yes, it’s a word!). When you’re setting your intentions for 2020, break those big dreams into smaller chunks. If you’re wanting to take a trip to Hawaii for Christmas, work backward. What will the estimated total cost be? How much will you have to save each month to get there? Research when is the best time to buy flights. What activities do you hope to do while there - how much will they cost? If you spend time upfront breaking down your big dream into attainable smaller steps, you’ll find yourself much more likely to bring your dream to life. 
3. Be accountable. This is often the hardest step for people. Opening up about your goals, resolutions, or big dreams mean you have to be vulnerable with someone. For me, this is where coaching can be so valuable! Coaches are there to help you think through all of the steps in getting from point A to Z. They cheer you on, push you to keep trying, and provide feedback that will help you be your very best and NOT be part of the 25% of resolution quitters. Part of what we love to do here is coaching and we’d love to talk with you more about what this can look like for you! 

Regardless of how you spend your New Years Eve, we sincerely hope that 2020 is your best year yet. And, should you decide to partake in setting resolutions, don’t be THAT person and quit by January 30th. We believe in you, your dreams, and your goals!

​Be well, 
JoEllen 

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