Wellness

The Resolution Revolution

One of the great things about Abagals is that we’ve been on the planet for awhile. So when it comes to New Year’s resolutions, we know the drill. We swear off drinking or smoking. We vow to lose the 20 pounds. We promise not to cut off all the people who will cut us off first in traffic. Then within a few months, we find ourselves swillin’ n’ puffin’ n’ noshin’ and speedin’. So as far as making resolutions and violating them goes, many Abagals have been there, done that, been back again and brought home gifts.

As wise women with years of accomplishments and experience, many of us still find ourselves in this resolution/recidivism cycle. While I do acknowledge that change and improvement can be growth opportunities, sometimes a wise woman has to reconsider her intentions. If you keep setting and missing the same goal, give it a rest. Maybe you’re pushing too hard. Wouldn’t you think there is another way to approach this whole thing?

This year I propose a revolutionary approach to making and keeping resolutions. I call it the Five-Point Get Real Plan for New Year’s Resolutions Success.

1) Take a Psychological Break.

To combat holiday hang-over and get the students re-excited about learning, my school designated the first week after break, January Doldrums Week. It was a time of altered class schedules, no homework, and mini-courses ranging from origami to experimental films. This was just the thing to refresh our minds and spirits. Consider postponing the next big life challenge for a week or even a few months. Give yourself a little time to rest and reset.

2) Reframe The Challenge.

Sometimes we set outrageous goals for ourselves without thinking them through. If you vow to be a top performing tri-athlete in a month, chances are slim you’ll make it. But even if you’ve only done a bit of it, like starting a running program, give yourself credit!

3) Go Beyond The Usual.

Sometimes we get so tied up with our own issues, we miss the bigger picture. Take the focus and the pressure off yourself. Resolve to volunteer in a women’s shelter or help clean up a local park. Instead of restarting that gym membership that you never get around to using, join a free walking group and donate the money to a charity.

4) Retro-Fit Your Resolution List

If I create a list for myself I will usually take lots of detours before I complete the list. Say I’m writing a treatment plan but I get caught up looking up interesting words in the dictionary while checking the spelling of a diagnosis. After checking treatment plan off my list, I’ll add on “improved vocabulary” and check that off too. If you have a plan for change and then in the process, find some unexpected results, include them as accomplishments

5) Accept Yourself
Resolve to accept yourself and celebrate yourself exactly how you are and where you are in your life right now. If you’re already pedaling as fast as you can, maybe that’s good enough for now.

Happy New Year!