Make Your New Year’s Resolutions Enjoyable and Attainable
Written on
Chapter 1: The Essence of Enjoyable Goals
What if reaching your goals could be enjoyable rather than a daily struggle?
Achieving anything worthwhile often requires effort, but the traditional mantra of “no pain, no gain” can be exhausting. As the New Year approaches, many of us set resolutions centered on our shortcomings, targeting the aspects of ourselves we dislike. Consequently, by February (or March if you’re particularly determined), many of us abandon these goals, finding it too draining to continue the fight against our own reluctance.
But what if, instead of focusing on eradicating flaws, we concentrated on activities we genuinely enjoy? Wouldn’t that make the journey much smoother?
Section 1.1: The Self-Improvement Industry
There’s a pervasive belief that success is only achievable by addressing weaknesses, a notion that sustains a billion-dollar self-improvement industry. In 2022, the U.S. self-improvement market was valued at approximately $13.4 billion, thriving on the promise that eliminating undesirable habits will lead to happiness and success.
We are often bombarded with messages that suggest we must get up earlier, work harder, or enhance our productivity to be deemed successful. However, this relentless pursuit of self-betterment can become an exhausting cycle of dissatisfaction.
Subsection 1.1.1: Embracing Strengths
What if we approached our goals differently? Instead of striving for perfection in areas we don’t enjoy, we could focus on our inherent strengths. Research supports this approach, as noted by Marcus Buckingham, a renowned talent development expert, who emphasizes that growth comes from leveraging existing strengths.
Why exhaust ourselves trying to excel in things we dislike? This year, consider making resolutions that align with your strengths.
Section 1.2: Transforming Resolutions
Let’s take exercise as an example. While it's generally accepted that we should engage in physical activity, why not choose something enjoyable? If your goal is to go to the gym regularly but you dread it, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Instead, consider what you love—maybe it’s dancing.
Make a resolution to dance more often, creating a playlist of your favorite songs and committing to dance three times a week. This way, you’ll incorporate exercise while having fun.
Chapter 2: Strategies for Success
In this insightful video featuring Gretchen Rubin, you’ll discover alternatives to traditional New Year’s resolutions that can help you achieve your goals while enjoying the process.
If learning a new language is on your list, consider using an app like Duolingo that makes the process engaging through gamification. I started using it to brush up on my French after a trip and now, thanks to its competitive features, I'm on a 383-day streak and have learned over 3,000 words.
This CBC Kids News video provides practical tips for making your New Year's resolutions successful, encouraging you to approach them with a fun and engaging mindset.
Instead of diving into meal prep that may become tedious, aim to introduce one extra serving of fruits or vegetables into your diet daily. Start small and gradually increase your healthy choices, allowing them to replace less healthy habits over time.
Life doesn’t have to be a constant struggle. By focusing on enjoyable activities and building on your strengths, you can achieve small victories that inspire continued effort.
So, as you set your resolutions for the upcoming year, prioritize what you already excel at and enjoy. Life is too short to spend it battling uphill; embrace the joy in your journey.