TheBoldAge asks should we be making new year resolutions?

As we begin to focus on 2021 we take a look at how to make them stick

Published by Steve Foreman on Dec 29, 2020

For many of us 2020 has been a year to forget. The coronavirus pandemic, Brexit, US elections, there hasn’t been a great deal of good news around this year. So as our minds start to focus on 2021, is it time to make some new years resolutions? Get fit? Learn a new language? Give up smoking, alcohol?

Firstly, let’s be realistic. Research shows that only 8% of people actually stick to their new year resolutions, and that’s in a ‘normal’ year. 2020 has shown us that life can change very quickly, it has been stressful for many of us and there are still uncertain days ahead.

Before thinking about what resolutions you need to make, pause for a moment, and reflect on life around you. Is it really a good time to make these goals or resolutions, if they are likely to increase your stress levels, the answer is no. It can be hard enough getting through the day in the current environment without adding to the stress. Cut yourself some slack, life is not ‘normal’ at the minute.

However, if you decide that now is the time to make some changes then make sure you are realistic, don’t set yourself up to fail. Just because you think you should do something; it doesn’t mean you will. It’s your resolution, try to make it something that will make you feel better and happier on a daily basis.

Start small and try not to make too many changes all at once. I will never eat junk food again, is very commendable but not very realistic. Start with, I will only have a takeaway once a week, instead of all weekend. It is also a good idea to keep a written record of your goals or resolutions. If your overall goal is to lose 3 stone of weight, keep track of the pounds you lose each week, they can act as great motivation for when you are struggling.

Also think of ways of rewarding yourself as you progress towards achieving your goal. It is important to not be too hard on yourself. Life is complicated and there will often be competing priorities for your time, just because you have a bad few days or weeks does not mean that you should give up. Be kind to yourself, take stock of where you are, and kick on again, nobody is perfect! Remember that it takes time to make a lasting change in life, if it is important enough to you, then you will persevere.

As we enter 2021, take time to reflect on your achievements in 2020, we made it through! Wishing you a very healthy and happy 2021 from everyone at The**Bold**Age.

### Boldie Thanks

Thanks to Tim Mossholder from Unsplash for the photograph