The beginning of a new year is meant to symbolize rebirth, fresh starts and reinvention, but honestly, that’s a lot of pressure to put on one person. Here’s why you don’t need to completely reinvent yourself in 2019:
Self-Improvement Has No Time Stamp
Logically speaking, one day of the year only has the weight we ascribe to it – culturally, societally and personally. This can often cause people to delay their goals. After all, does it really matter if you don’t start at the beginning of the year? The truth is, we can start to slowly improve ourselves at this very moment. There is no reason to hold off or feel like certain goals should wait until the new year.
Make Lifestyle Changes
Some people set a goal or two while others have sheet upon sheet of goals that they hope to accomplish in the new year. While ambition is good, there is often far too much pressure to make massive changes all at once.
Instead of focusing on aggressive, short-term goals, such as losing 30 pounds in two months, try focusing on long-term lifestyle. Adjust your goals to eating healthier, adding more nutrients to your diet, and getting more exercise. Change doesn’t happen overnight. Taking small steps to achieve your goals is more likely to make you successful in the long run. Then if you stray from your path, it’ll be easier to get back on track.
Accept, Learn, Grow
Just because you don’t achieve your goals the first time doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try again. Self-improvement ebbs and flows as does life itself. Sometimes we reach our goals the first time around. Sometimes it takes a little more patience and work. Being able to use past experiences and insights will help you learn from the process, and ultimately grow into the person you’d like to become.
Celebrate Yourself
Resolution season has a lot of people thinking about their weaknesses and not enough people celebrating their strengths. You have so many past accomplishments that deserve to be celebrated and strengths that deserve more love.
Take some time to write out a list of the things you absolutely love about yourself, whether it’s personality traits, achievements, or even your own physical characteristics. It’s easy to be your own worst critic, so put in the effort to love all the things that make you unique, including your flaws. This can amount to something much more important than goal-setting – your happiness and overall wellness.
If you are ready to celebrate the upcoming year with happiness and self-acceptance, you may be looking at your best year yet. Seize the day. And the whole year, too!
