New Years resolutions are trash. Simply because you do not need to be fixed. Instead, I like to focus on setting intentions and reevaluating my goals, and this is why:

Intention: a thing intended; an aim or plan

Resolution: a firm decision to do or not to do something

1. Resolutions are unhealthy!

   • Typical resolutions are anxiety-driven and stem from low self worth. The new year should be celebrated as a time of reflecting on growth, not negatively judging what you did and didn’t do. This is especially important for those with chronic illness. Sometimes life slows down because of illness and it’s ok to not be where you thought you’d be. This is even more true for 2020 because of the pandemic.

2. Habits take time to form.

   • That being said, the new year can be a wonderful time to set intentions. Intentions are a more positive way of setting goals you are ACTUALLY interested in doing. Plus, odds are you will be more likely to stick with a habit if it’s something you want to be doing. They take about a month to stick.

3. Do your own thing on your own time.

   • Just because someone else in your family wants to lose a few pounds doesn’t mean you have to. Going to the gym because you feel pressured to will just create resentment and bad memories of the gym when it might be something you’re interested in down the road … or not! If you aren’t passionate about it at the time, it’s not going to serve you. Save your energy.

4. Make efforts to grow in your spirituality, self worth, and passions every month.

   • Checking in with yourself month to month can help you keep track of the goals you set at the beginning of the year and reevaluate them. It’s possible that what you thought you wanted in January won’t serve you in June. This is also a wonderful way to watch your growth and spend time being proud of your accomplishments! Keep a journal and write new goals and progress made down at the beginning of every month. Schedule in this time for yourself!

5. Honor your true self.

   • Again, just because someone likes to work out doesn’t mean you do. If you do feel you want to move your body more, but the gym freaks you out, look into why that is (maybe there’s a hidden trigger here or fear that needs to be overcome?) and/or just make a plan to do at home work outs. But don’t workout to lose weight for someone else. Move your body to help yourself feel empowered … if that’s what feels right to you!

6. Use the SMART method.

   • The “SMART” acronym stands for “specific,” “measurable,” “attainable,” “relevant,” and “time-bound.” Make your goal specific and simple, “I want to do an at home work out before work for 30 minutes Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.” This is measurable because you can monitor your progress and whether or not you skip one of those days. It’s attainable if it fits into your schedule before work. It’s relevant if it’s honoring and empowering your true self. Lastly, set an end goal to make it time-bound. You might want to set this up to do it for the rest of your life, but while you’re getting into the groove and waiting for the habit to click, check in with yourself once a week on Saturday and reevaluate after a month. If you haven’t stuck with it, keep monitoring it weekly for another month!

I wish you the best of luck with your intentions and goals and all the love and light going into the new year!