She Strengthens

Breaking Free from the Cycle of Failed Resolutions

As I stepped into my gym just a few weeks into 2018, I was surprised to find it almost deserted. Where were the crowds of determined individuals who had vowed to transform their lives just a few weeks prior? According to Nielsen’s data, a staggering 64% of New Year’s resolutions don’t make it past the first month. It seemed I wasn’t alone in wondering if people had already given up on their goals.

My Journey to Success

I’ve been guilty of failing at my resolutions in the past, but 2017 was different. It was a year of incredible growth for me, and I achieved many of the goals I had set out to accomplish. I exercised regularly, lost 10 pounds, nearly doubled my net worth, decluttered my apartment, started journaling and blogging, made new friends, and read 70 books. So, what was the secret to my success?

Assessing Your Goals

The first step to achieving your resolutions is to assess whether they’re truly important to you. Be honest with yourself – if you’re not passionate about a particular goal, it’s unlikely you’ll stick to it. It takes courage to acknowledge what you really want in life and prioritize your goals accordingly.

Finding Joy in the Journey

Picking a route you love is crucial to achieving your goals. If you hate the process, you’ll never stick to it. I tried various forms of exercise before discovering my passion for biking. It’s not just about the physical benefits; it’s about finding joy in the journey. Even with activities I love, I still need to motivate myself to take action. Imagine if I hated biking in the first place – I would never get it done.

Eliminating Obstacles

Identifying and eliminating obstacles ahead of time is vital to success. I used to claim I didn’t have time to read, but I found ways to free up time by abolishing distractions like TV and always carrying a book with me. I also created a sense of accountability by borrowing books from the library, ensuring I had a deadline to finish them.

Focusing on Successes

Building habits takes time, and it’s essential to focus on your successes rather than past failures. I tried various journaling techniques before finding one that stuck. It would have been easy to give up, but I refused to pass judgment on myself. Instead, I kept trying until I found a routine that worked. Now, my journal is a symbol of success, not failure.

A New Beginning

It’s easy to get discouraged when we fail, but every setback is an opportunity to begin again. Don’t let a momentary lapse discourage you – your story isn’t over yet. Every part of your journey is a stepping stone to something else, and you never know where it’ll lead. Maybe your failure is merely the catalyst for your great success. Here’s to making the most of 2018!