Mental Health

Start Your New Year's Resolutions In December, Here’s Why

Are your resolutions failing despite your intentions to keep them? It's time to let December be the first month of the new year. Start your resolutions early so you are ahead of any excuses in 2023!

20 Nov 2022

Are you ready for a fresh start? Yup, the time has come to talk about making new resolutions and turning a new page…again!

What can you do to make it more likely to keep your next resolution? How about starting a month early? Starting your resolutions in December might just be the smartest thing you end up doing. January realistically sets the tone for the rest of the year, and there’s no way you want to mess it up. The New Year feels like a temporal landmark that compels people to set lofty resolutions like losing 5 kilos, working out everyday, meditating for an hour, etc. But why is this resolve shaken so easily? The simple answer is: Resolutions are easier to make than to keep. Despite our good intentions, many of us abandon our determination and settle back into our old patterns. Often we don’t realise that the real problem of failing to keep our resolutions is we aren’t making achievable goals in the first place. If resolutions aren’t working for you, doesn’t mean that they aren’t worth making.

Life-changing resolutions don’t need to start in January 2023, especially not when you really want to stick to them. Establishing good habits in December on a daily routine is a self-investment. It gives you the time to ‘soft launch’ your resolutions before 2023 rolls around and you actually have to stick to them. Here’s how to create a plan and give your best shot in December so you’re prepared for 2023 resolutions!

How To Set Achievable Goals In December

1. Take baby steps: Taking on too much all at once can be intimidating as establishing new behavioural habits takes time and effort. Focus on one precise goal to keep a resolution achievable. By taking small steps, there is a better chance to keep resolutions realistic throughout the year. If you are attempting a marathon run, start by jogging two or three times a week. Gradually, stretch yourself to longer runs and exercise more days per week.

2. Be goal-specific: You may have a long list of goals to fulfil such as losing weight, being more productive and so on. But how? And. how much? Set definable parameters to stay focused. For instance, you are dedicated to losing 10 kilos. Be sure to stick to consistent workouts, diet, and lifestyle to make it happen. Most importantly, be patient and clear on the results you want to achieve, so you know exactly how you will accomplish your plan over the year.

3. Make a note of your goals: Writing them down in a diary gives a greater sense of responsibility and creates accountability. Creating a meticulous written plan can help you stick to your goal. To help you track important milestones and stay motivated along the way, use your journal or goal-tracking app. It allows you to consider what tactics you will use when you face barriers that might sidetrack you.

4. Consider small resolutions: Saving money, getting in shape, and getting promoted are good, yet huge goals. Creating resolutions too big to handle can set you up for defeat. Focus on something more realistic rather than drastic. The foremost step to victory is sticking to one goal, not five. Then consider a reality check.

5. Plan thoroughly: Don't wait until December 31st to decide on your resolution. Placing extensive planning is essential for attaining any goal. Plan to tackle any behaviour shift, including the steps you will take, why you want to do it, and routines to keep yourself on track.

6. It’s okay to miss out: Falling short is completely normal. If you relapse into a bad habit, do not consider it as a failure. The passage toward your destination is not always a straight one, and there will be challenges. Instead, view the letdowns as learning prospects.

7. Introspect daily: To make a long-term success, reassessing your goal at regular intervals is essential. While it may seem like a slow and unrealistic start, that’s why it’s necessary to acknowledge smaller successes along the way. Re-evaluating encourages people to revise their goals to make sure they still fit in.

8. Keep working on your goal: When done realistically, introspecting can be a good way to find out what you could do to make your resolution better. Deciding to keep working to make positive changes and adopting healthier habits is always a fine thought—one you should see across the end.