Happy first day of 2025!!
I love the start of a new year. The blank slate of the year seems so exciting, and, though I know that failures are probable this year, the possibility of successes in the new year are thrilling. Statistically, most people start off the year great, but New Year's resolutions fail around mid-February (or sooner). It seems that as much people want to change, change is so incredibly hard.
I get it. I've been there, too. But I have found that it's not a huge leap to change but rather a process. A journey. One step at a time. So, today I am giving you six tips to create lasting change by creating new habits. If you are one who has great aspirations and intentions at the start of the year but seems to fall off the wagon halfway through January, this post is for you.
6 Tips for Creating Small Habits of Change
1. Consider your why
Stop what you're doing and look back over your goal list. Take a moment to consider each goal and the purpose driving your desire to change. By considering your purpose, you will understand your motivation and can better keep yourself encouraged as you begin the process of reaching your goals.
2. Start small
There is power in starting small. Remember, change is a process. It won't happen overnight. Make small adjustments to your schedule, diet, finances, etc. that you will actually be able to attain.
3. Get an accountability partner
Reaching goals is always more fun when you have someone cheering you on. Enlist your husband, a friend, or family member to help keep you accountable throughout your journey.
4. Recognize that failure is an option
This one might be tough to swallow, but failure is always possible. You might fall off the bandwagon during a busy season or get weary with the new habit. That's ok! The key is to not be too hard on yourself, get back up, and try again. And every time you fail, get back up again and again and again.
5. Remember that change is a journey
You are not going to change everything you don't like about yourself in one year. You just won't. But you might change one or two things. If you are a perfectionist like me then that can really be frustrating. Just remember that each day you wake up, you have an opportunity to work on something. You'll never stop growing, but you can enjoy the journey in the process.
6. Look back and see how far you've come
When you get discouraged (and you will), look back and see how far you've come. It may be difficult to see in the beginning, but notice the little changes. They add up. This can be a great encouragement to you as the year goes on.
