By: Elizabeth Koblenz, LMSW

This past year was a challenge in one way or another for all of us. As a country, we have experienced hardships that we could have never expected. However, we have also become stronger and more resilient, and have learned more about ourselves throughout this time. Now that 2021 is here, we can begin to feel more hopeful as a new year brings a “fresh start” and new perspective. As we turn the page on 2020 and ring in 2021, we can establish our new ambitions and goals for the upcoming year. As the year progresses, oftentimes it is hard to keep our resolutions top of mind in order to implement them successfully. In order to feel in control of your resolutions and/or goals for the long term, a helpful starting place would be to start compiling a list of things you were not able to achieve or get to in 2020, or things you want to continue to work on and become stronger at. This can include working out, working on different aspects of yourself, trying to cook more at home, learning new recipes, and so on. As 2021 begins, this can be helpful in order to focus our energy on creating a foundation for our “New Year’s Resolutions” to stick around all year long. 

Here are some helpful tips on how to keep your goals and resolutions top-of-mind all year long: 

1.     Start writing down a few ideas at ANY time of what you would like to do, achieve, or strive for this year. Many people think that January 1st is when this needs to be done, however, there is no specific start or end date. If it’s mid-January and you feel there are things you want to change or improve in your life – go for it! There is never a “perfect” time to change habits that you want to improve. The time is now and it is never too late to start! 

2.     Keep your list of goals or resolutions in a place that is easily accessible. We often create these resolutions that are unintentionally forgotten about because we go back to our busy lives and they indirectly become distant memories. If you write them down and keep them in a place that you look at or visit quite often, it will motivate you to want to achieve these goals. You can also continue adding to your list as you create new ones throughout the year.

3.     You are your biggest advocate. Continue to remind yourself of the resolutions you want to put into place and cheer yourself on as you make new ones (literally). You can accomplish anything you put your mind to! If you want to make those changes, you can do it! If you feel adding a resolution buddy would be helpful to hold you accountable, that’s a great idea, too. Find your own way of navigating how to be your number one cheerleader. As a bonus, you can even write a positive affirmation, such as “you can do it!” on a post-it, and place it somewhere that you look every day. 

4.     Set aside time each day or week (whichever works better for YOU) to accomplish your goals. If daily habits like getting more sleep or spending less time on your phone are resolutions you would like to achieve, set a realistic goal that sets yourself up for success each week. Don’t be hard on yourself if one week looks or seems different from another, changes can happen slower than we like. We are busy and we need to give ourselves credit for how much we juggle! 

It can be challenging to implement new goals during such an unpredictable time. However, you can use this as a way to also create some stability to latch onto. Change can be hard, but it can also be really positive. Stick with your goals and see where it takes you! If you are looking for support in  implementing your goals or need help with your New Year’s resolutions, feel free to reach out today to hello@upsidertherapy.com.