ARTICLE: Are you still on track?

At the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, we are piqued to make promises to ourselves. We set goals, etched with the hope and excitement of a fresh start. But as January fades into February, February to March, March to April, and the subsequent months unfold, the novelty of the New Year wears off, and many of us find ourselves slipping back into old habits. So, as we approach the end of April, it’s time to pause and reflect: How far have we come with our New Year’s resolutions? And more importantly, how can we ensure that the goals we set for ourselves at the beginning of the year don’t remain as lofty aspirations?

Reflection on New Year’s Resolutions:

Socrates, a Greek philosopher, noted that “an unexamined life is not worth living.” This assertion denotes a wealth of self-examination and reflection. Aristotle said we are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit. “Gaining excellence in our New Year resolutions and plans means investing in activities and resilience that can become habits to actualize our plans for the year and beyond. Though easier said than done, it is a sobering reminder of the challenges we face when trying to make lasting changes in our lives, but the reality is that challenges are part of life’s journey; overcoming them is what makes us stand out tall with our shoulders and chin filled with discoveries and solutions. Have you started your reflection yet? Or you are waiting for 31^st December to beat yourself up for not doing better.

Progress Check-In:

Now is the perfect time to check in on our resolutions. Take a moment to reflect on the goals you set for yourself at the beginning of the year. Have you made any progress? Celebrate the victories, no matter how small. Did you hit the gym once a week instead of twice, as you planned? That progress is worth acknowledging. And if you’ve faced setbacks, that’s okay too. Remember, every journey has bumps in the road.

Common Roadblocks:

Understanding the common roadblocks that derail our resolutions can help us navigate them more effectively. Lack of accountability, unrealistic goals, and loss of motivation are just a few of the obstacles we might encounter along the way. But by identifying these challenges, we can better prepare ourselves to overcome them.

Strategies for Success:

So, how can we stay on track with our resolutions? Start by using the cues gained from prior reflections. You might have realised some activities that are impeding the progress of your plans. Instead of vowing to “exercise more,” commit to going for a 30-minute walk three times a week. Create a support system by sharing your goals with friends or family members who can help keep you accountable. I am referring to that relative or friend who you have observed to be so enthusiastic and disciplined in his pursuit. Interact with him on it so he can act as a reminder. And don’t forget to track your progress along the way. Seeing how far you’ve come can be a powerful motivator to keep going.

Mind-set Shift:

It’s important to remember that progress is not always linear. Setbacks are inevitable, but they don’t have to derail us completely. Cultivate a positive mindset and resilience in the face of adversity. Focus on the journey of self-improvement rather than perfection. Note that you are your exposures; hence, be mindful of your exposures, and remember, it’s okay to ask for help when you need it.

Long-Term Planning:

Finally, consider the bigger picture. Sustainable change doesn’t happen overnight. It requires long-term planning and commitment. Instead of viewing resolutions as a once-a-year event, think of them as ongoing goals that evolve over time. Make lifestyle changes that are sustainable in the long run, and don’t be afraid to adjust your goals as needed.

Conclusion:

As we reflect on our New Year’s resolutions, let’s remember that it’s never too late to make positive changes in our lives. Whether you’re still going strong or have fallen off track, now is the perfect time to recommit to your goals. Stay focused, stay resilient, and, above all, stay true to yourself. Your future self will thank you for it. Let’s support each other on our journey towards self-improvement and personal growth.

Call to Action:

What are your New Year’s resolutions, and how are you progressing with them?  I leave you with some quotes from renowned philosophers that will pique your zeal for advancement:

Buddha:

“All that we are is the result of what we have thought.”

“The mind is everything. What you think you become.”

Seneca:

“It is not that we have a short space of time, but that we waste much of it. Life is long enough, and it has been given in sufficiently generous measure to allow the accomplishment of the very greatest things if the whole of it is well invested.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson:

“Sow a thought, and you reap an act; sow an act, and you reap a habit; sow a habit, and you reap a character; sow a character, and you reap a destiny.”