Greetings, and happy New Year!
It’s that time of year again – that moment we pull out pen and paper or make mental notes for those New Year resolutions. Maybe it’s to lose 10 pounds or eat healthier. Maybe our goal is to drink less or restart that workout program for the 23rd time. Maybe we plan to spend more time in self-reflection or meditation or connect more with those we care about. With all good intention, we pour some energy into changes for a few weeks, and we hope our new habits are going to stick… then life gets in the way.
Resolutions, while well intentioned, are often an emotional snapshot caught in a moment in time. In this moment, maybe we feel a little more resilient after some time off and rest. Maybe we’re more exhausted mentally, and physically, feeling the need to come back to balance (or to be able to button those pants we fit into in October). And while resolutions can drive us for a short while, they don’t usually sustain us when life throws us challenges and stressors.
This year, if you choose to make resolutions or set intentions, consider spending some time working through the 5 Why’s. Studies and experience show that we’re more resilient and successful when we can clearly envision the why in how life would be enhanced when we succeed in making change. Using the 5 Why’s helps to gain clarity on why you’re deciding to put time, energy, and/or money forth. It helps connect purpose and meaning behind your intention to keep you motivated when life happens.
Start by writing down your resolution or intention, and then work through the following questions. Be honest, curious, and real when answering; the more truthful you can be with yourself, the deeper the connection you’ll feel to your why.
In 2024 I will … (insert resolution or intention)
1. Why am I challenging myself?
2. Why do I want to achieve this?
3. And why is this achievement important to me?
4. Andy why will that make a difference in my life?
5. And why will that matter to me?
Pro tip: In 12 hours, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, or 3 months from now when life inevitably gets challenging and you’re feeling yourself straying away from your resolutions, come back to these questions as a reminder of how important or significant you felt this change would be in your life. Try to re-connect your resolutions or intentions to your personal values to keep striving towards change. If what you were striving to achieve no longer fits into your values or serves you, give yourself some compassion. Be flexible to modify or set new intentions when needed.
If you’re simply feeling overwhelmed with the concept of “New Year, New You” this year, give yourself some grace – you’re not alone. Set yourself up for success by starting small and setting realistic goals. We have greater success when we feel like we can actually achieve our goals than when they feel out of reach.
If you’ve been thinking of making change but not sure where to start and need support, book your free 20 minute consultation to see if health coaching would be the right fit for you @ calendly.com/coachkyle-mn.
Be Well!
Kyle
MPH, CHES, NBHWC