BY SANDRA GUY
Now that a COVID-19 vaccine is on the way, we newly appreciate that we’re tough, persistent and dedicated. So it’s time to focus our newfound confidence into setting New Year’s goals — and actually achieving them.
Though you’ve probably read that it takes 66 days, on average, to form a new habit, experts say it’s better to create small, specific goals — like vowing to eat no junk food for four months — and to set up a holistic environment to support your intentions.
The fact that you make, write down and prominently remind yourself of a New Year’s resolution combine to boost your chances of success.
But there’s more to it than that. While you’re writing your detailed plan for change, ask yourself why this habit fulfills some deep-seated need. If the habit didn’t fulfill a need, you wouldn’t have kept doing it. So spend time thinking about — and writing down — how you will find another habit that will fill that need just as deeply, if not moreso.
This won’t be easy. Your brain is hard-wired to feel deeply contented when you eat a chocolate soufflé, and what could possibly replace that? The new habit must be just that satisfying — if not moreso. How can you make it so? What result would give you greater satisfaction and confidence than the habit you’re going to work so hard to change?
If you can hold on even for a week to explore what could replace that wonderful feeling, give yourself a reward for staying disciplined. Take a quiet nap or sip herbal tea while vegging on a silly movie, rather than rushing out to buy a Big Mac to celebrate.
While you stay focused, keep the number of goals short. Better to meet a few resolutions and feel good about it than to set yourself up for failure.
Put your resolution out into the universe by speaking it aloud and telling trusted and supportive friends. No need to post anything on social media where a naysayer might pop up.
Try something new and run with it. No need for a retread. You will have more energy and purpose by resolving to change something unique to 2021.