Keep your New Year’s resolutions alive

Posted

Vice president of operations, First Coast YMCA

Special to the Recorder

It’s hard to believe that we are almost done with the first month in the New Year. As you continue to settle back into life post-holidays, now is a really good time to check in with yourself and evaluate those hefty New Year’s resolutions you made on Dec. 31.

If your resolutions are still going strong — keep it up! While choosing a resolution can be easy, however, sticking to them is hard. A YMCA survey found that less than a quarter of respondents kept their resolutions. Many (71 percent) tried but stated they fell short of their goals, while 40 percent confessed they gave up within the first few months, even weeks, of the new year! 

While there is no “right way” to keep a resolution, the Ponte Vedra YMCA is encouraging community members to keep their New Year’s resolutions alive by doing the following:

1. Take it one step at a time. Trying to change too many habits at once can easily lead to frustration. Instead of a New Year’s resolution, make a new month resolution. Focus on that one change for the month and add another (small) change when the new month rolls around.  

2. Keep the faith. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Even though you may experience some missteps throughout the day — or even the week — that doesn’t mean you have to give up. Bad habits aren’t created in a week, so try as you might, you can’t change them in a week either. 

3. It’s all about attitude. It’s important to think about what you’re gaining from a resolution rather than what you’re missing. This can make a resolution feel more positive, and therefore more achievable. For example, you may want to limit your screen time in 2019, but that can be more manageable if you replace it with something positive such as volunteering or setting special time aside for family. 

4. Talk it out. It’s easier to stick to your resolutions if you have a partner or friend working toward similar goals. Team up with someone to set your 2019 goals.

For additional tips or to learn more about how to get involved with the Ponte Vedra YMCA contact (904) 543-9622 or visit https://fcymca.org/.