Happy New year!

2025.

Do you make new year's resolutions? 

I don't! 

Why? 

Resolutions are usually far too big to keep. We make the end goal the resolution rather than tackle the goal in stages. 

If we want to lose weight we say “I’m going to lose 4 stone” when really we should start with “I’m going to lose half a stone” and then continue at half stone increments to the four stone.

If we want to save money instead of saying “I’m going to save £40,000 for a house deposit" break it down into smaller amounts. "I'm going to save £100" then build it up gradually.

The harder a goal is, the more likely we are to give up on it. Resolutions that are too big or difficult to keep will put too much pressure on you. Then when you inevitably fail to achieve this huge resolution you will be disappointed in yourself. This is when the inner battle with yourself begins and the self-criticism will begin.

So, what do I do instead? I don’t save my changes for New Year. It is far too much pressure and I am prone to fail. I make changes at any time of year. I make them when I want to or need to. I take small steps towards a big change. I repeat small changes so they become a habit.

I do not beat myself up if I forget to make the change, I just remind myself to do it the next day. Every time I make the change I am building the habit.

If you struggle with New Year’s resolutions then give yourself a break and start small.

Lots of love

Debbie aka The Mindful Meerkat xx