Oops! Resolution Fail?

by Carolyn Tordella, Creative Director, TTOHC

​How Can You Get Your Resolutions Back on Track?

It happens to all of us. You make some serious resolutions with passions and good intentions and by mid-January all the good intentions have been demolished by crazy schedules, and stress, anxiety. Pretty soon, the ten pounds you vowed to lose turns to 20, the commitment to meditate has turned into a new TV show to binge watch, or maybe, that promise to save for a vacation gave way to some retail therapy to ease stress.
 
Whatever your goal was, you don’t have to count it as a complete failure. We all make mistakes, but why not hit the reset button and start again? Persistent procrastinators will say tomorrow is a good time to start again, but we know how that will play out, right?
 
Why not start again RIGHT NOW?
Try these simple steps on for size:

1. Admit defeat. Yes, really. You wanted to make that goal badly, but what you were trying to do wasn’t working. It’s ok. At least you haven’t spent too much time doing something that clearly isn’t working for you.
2. Review the goal. Is it something I really want to accomplish or something someone told I should accomplish? What does it mean to me? The ‘why’ is part of the fuel that will keep you going when the going gets difficult.
3. Break the big goal down into smaller goals. If you’ve got this grand idea to lose 150 pounds (goal) to better your health and look good (why), it might be a lot less pressure to focus on fun ways to get to the first ten. And think of some fun rewards along the way that won’t sabotage your goal.
4. Be kind to yourself. Celebrate the mini goals along the way full-hearted, without the foreboding that we can sometimes have about big goals we’ve tried to accomplish in the past and failed. (“I’ve lost this ten pounds before and I always gain it back, better not get too confident.”) Remember, you are a wise, beautiful human being who should be encouraged, not chastised, as you take steps to change behaviors, build new habits, working toward your goal.
5. Cultivate positivity. Reframe negative phrases and ideas that have haunted you in the past and take control of positive affirmations that move you forward. Every little change you make is a positive step in the direction you want to go.
6. Build support. You may think you don’t need anyone, but perhaps you’re just uncomfortable failing or making mistakes in front of people. It can be embarrassing. Big goals need big support and accountability – we benefit from knowing there are others out there who are working hard like us. We need support, encouragement, a chance vent, and opportunities to help others.
7. Be present. Don’t dwell in the past. You are not the same person you were the last time you tried to accomplish something big. You are more experienced and wiser than before. Trust who you are now and go for your dreams.
8. Always remember, you can start again anytime you need to. You could be at the gym working out or putting paint to paper, OR sitting in front of the TV. Even if you don’t lose every pound you want or become Picasso-famous, you’re still a better version of you than version 'sitting-on-the-couch-lamenting-your-failures.’ 

So, don’t lose heart if you falter in your goals. Know that we’ve all experienced this and we can all overcome it if we so choose. If any of the modalities or therapies at TTOHC can be a part of what you’re set on accomplishing this year, please stop by or call. Feel free to share your journey in the comments below.