New Year resolutions are difficult. Why? Because we almost always let ourselves down with lofty goals and come out of the experience feeling less determined than we did in the first place. That’s no way to start the new year!

Do you have a new year resolution in mind? This year, revert your focus to the journey, not the outcome, and think well of yourself as you strive toward a better you. Every single day, no matter what.

I love and appreciate the challenge of a new year resolution, but I also believe strongly that these types of goals can and should be made at the top of every new month, week or even every morning. Fresh intentions to set you on your way create within you a positive energy, ambition and enthusiasm.

It’s why we resolve to start anew each January, because it feels good, right? But we should be allowing ourselves these fresh intentions all the time, not just once a year! By choosing a resolution and then focusing on small victories along the way, we dwell less on the mighty result that seems so distant and realize that our goals can be attainable if we just treat ourselves well in the process.

Are you resolving to exercise more? Give thanks to your body and mind for those first few workouts, and acknowledge how good it feels. Instead of insisting upon yourself that you hit the gym six days a week, take the stairs more, park farther away and get up from your workspace more throughout the day. You may not have hit the gym on a given day, but you kept your body moving, and that is an accomplishment worth noting.

If you’re wanting to take better care of yourself, verbally acknowledge each time you make a healthy choice, affirming your decisions for that day. These positive declarations of choices you make throughout the month will build within you the confidence and stamina you need to meet an end goal, whatever it may be.

Just as in life, it’s about the journey and how you treat yourself along the way. Goals and resolutions are important and proactive and so good for us, but have respect for the work you put into them. To me, it’s that person who matters more — the one who thinks positively and recognizes there is goodness in what we do every day.

Good for you for starting the new year off with a great energy! May you be kind to yourself each day as we begin anew.

About the Author

Angela Tewalt is a writer, storyteller and mother to two boys. She shares parenting stories and inspiration in Guidepost Parent.

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