7 Steps to Help You Actually Achieve Your New Year’s Resolutions

0

Do you have big plans for 2018?

Do your plans involve getting in shape, sticking to a budget, getting out of debt, reading more books, learning a new skill, being a better parent, cooking more healthy meals at home, giving up carbs, volunteering, changing careers, spending more time with your family, or reconnecting with your spouse?

The beginning of the year is the best time to set new goals for you and your family.  It is an exciting time to think of all the possibilities the new year can bring. New year, new you, right?

Yes, it is exciting to think about creating a whole new you in the new year, but is also overwhelming! It has taken a lifetime to create you the way you are.  

The possibilities for New Year’s resolutions and goal setting are endless. What happens when we have too many options and too much on our to-do list? We get overwhelmed and we don’t take action. We get stuck in analysis paralysis.  

Some estimates say over 40% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions, but only 8% achieve them.  

So, what can you do? How can you get out of overwhelm and into action?

 

7 Quick Tips to Get Out of Overwhelm and Into Action

1. Learn How to Say No

You have likely heard this one before. But do you actually practice it?  Saying no to things that don’t serve you clears up your time, your mind, and your energy to focus on things that are truly important to you.
 
Think about what this looks like for you. What can you give up to make more room for the things you love? Think of at least one thing you can give up and say it out loud, write it down, journal about it, or tell another person. The more you focus on something, the more likely it will happen.  
 

2.  Plan to Accomplish Three Major Tasks Each Day

Do you wake up every morning with a mile long to-do list?  
 
If so, think about how to prioritize that list. Find three things each day that are the most important tasks to get done. Focus only on those three and get them done. If you try to focus on too many things, less will actually get done. Moms are great multitaskers, but research shows it is actually less productive.  
 
 Focus on less, and you will get more done!  
 
Think about this, if you accomplished three things every single day, you would accomplish 1,095 things in one year. Kind of puts things into perspective, doesn’t it?
 

3.  Use a Task Management System

Whatever management system you are using, try to keep it simple. There is no shortage of technology out there to help us manage our schedules and to-do lists.  
 
If you are super techy, you might like online synching calendars and scheduling apps. Or you might like old school pen and paper planners.  
 
Use what works best for you, but simplify it.  
 
Highlight those three major tasks and focus on them.
 
I use a system that allows me to tune into myself and plan my days, weeks, and months around what my soul needs, not what others need from me.
 

4.  Reframe It

Use some mindset tricks to reframe your situation.
 
Be grateful for the learning opportunities when you are faced with a problem to solve.
 
Try to put a positive spin on stressful situations.  For example, I was feeling like a complete failure as a parent when I overheard my 3-year-old say, “fricking hell”. She clearly learned that one from me. After shaming myself for too long, I remembered the times she showed great compassion to me, her siblings, her baby dolls, and our puppy.  I can proudly say she also learned that from me.
 
Think outside the box.  
 
Maybe reconnecting with friends and family is a goal for you.  And maybe you didn’t get around to sending holiday cards this year.  Don’t beat yourself up for not making the time to get the perfect photo on to the perfect card with the perfect greeting, addressed, stamped and out to all your friends, co-workers and family. Instead, send a personal greeting in the new year to those you are truly wanting to connect with. It will be so much more meaningful and appreciated!
 

5.  Get Support

Talking to your spouse, your mom squad, a friend, a co-worker, your mom, whoever it is, will make a huge difference.
 
Just talking about your thoughts and problems gets them out of your mind.  
 
It clears up space for better things. You could also write things down in a worry journal. If you have trouble sleeping, this is very helpful to do before you go to bed. Put your worries down in the journal, stop the mind chatter, and get to sleep faster.
 
Consider professional support and accountability. Seek professional guidance from a counselor or coach.  
 

6.  Use Essential Oils

Essential oils have powerful compounds that are quickly and easily used by the body to support us physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
 
Try the following oils when you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed:
 
Basil
“Basil oil supports those who are under a great deal of mental strain.  It brings rejuvenation of vital forces after long periods of burnout and exhaustion.  Basil oil may strengthen the adrenals and restore the body to its natural rhythms of sleep, activity, and rest.”  *
 
Clary Sage  
“Clary Sage assists in opening creative channels and clearing creative blocks.  It eliminates distractions from the mind and assists individuals in finding a state of emptiness where creative forces may be realized.”  *
 
Ginger
“Ginger empowers individuals in taking complete responsibility for their life circumstances.  It infuses a warrior-like mentality based on personal integrity, centralized responsibility, and individual choice.  Here, the individual sees themselves as the creator of their own life.  No longer waiting for outside circumstances to change, they choose their own destiny.”  *
 
Lemon
“The crisp scent of lemon oil improves one’s ability to focus.  It teaches individuals to be mentally present for focusing on one thing at a time.  Lemon dispels confusion and bestows clarity.  Lemon restores energy, mental flexibility, and the drive to complete a project.”  *
 
Tangerine
“Those who feel overburdened by responsibility would benefit from tangerine’s uplifting vibration.  It encourages a person to be creative and spontaneous.”  *
 
Vetiver
“Life can scatter one’s energy and cause one to feel split between different priorities, people, and activities.  Vetiver brings the individuals back down to earth.  Vetiver also assists individuals in deeply connecting with what they think and feel.”  *
 
* Excerpts from Emotions & Essential Oils A Modern Resource for Healing
 

7.  Create a Vision Board

A vision board is a visual collage of images, words, and phrases of things you want.  It is a grown-up version of a wish list.  For it to be most effective, focus on how you want to feel.  

How does it work? By bringing clarity and tangibility to your goals and dreams. A constant visual reminder will motivate you when you are facing obstacles or challenges.  

How do you make a vision board? Well, there are no rules. Get a poster board, and start attaching images, quotes, affirmations, and whatever visual reminders you need to achieve your dreams. You can use magazines, print off google images, or create your own images, whatever feels right for you.  

My wish for you is to feel empowered with New Year’s Resolutions and not be overwhelmed. I hope you find these tips practical and useful. I wish you much success in achieving your goals this year.