As a new year approaches, all good intentions come back on the table. Classic New Year’s resolutions every year are quitting smoking and losing weight. Yet there are many more things that people resolve for the new year. Some intentions at a glance. How do you make good intentions a success?
Why good intentions?
Where does it come from that many people make good intentions at the start of a new year? Good intentions often involve things that people have difficulty with. Quit smoking, lose weight, pay off debts, spend more time and attention on family and/or friends. People are in a fixed pattern that is difficult to break out of. Intuitively, a starting point for change must be a special moment. This is the start of a new year for most people.
What intentions are there?
Like so much in life, good intentions are also subject to trends. Of course there are a number of classics every year, such as quitting smoking and losing weight. These are also the most difficult resolutions to keep. That is why they are on many people’s agendas every year. In 2013 there are also some notable trends in our resolutions:
say no
Our society has changed significantly. Life has become very individualistic. If you don’t dare to stand up for yourself, you will soon be snowed under. Assertiveness is then a good quality to keep your head above water. Learning to say no saves time, stress and commands respect from others.
More sports
To keep our body healthy, we should exercise more. There are of course people who have no problem with this, because they are naturally sporty. However, many people are so consumed by work, study and other obligations that they miss out on exercising time and time again. If you want to exercise, preferably choose a sport that suits you. You can take out a gym membership, but if this doesn’t suit you at all, it’s very easy to drop out. An incentive can be to exercise together with a friend.
Stop lines
Stopping dieting is a very remarkable trend for 2013. At first glance, it is at odds with the classic ,losing weight,, which remains high on the priority list for many people. However, this trend does not mean that we will stuff ourselves again in the coming year. The focus on losing weight will be more on healthy eating, in smaller portions. The trend is that people no longer follow all kinds of diets, but opt for healthier food. The goal for many remains to live a slim life.
Positive attitude
In these times of economic crisis it is not easy for many people to stay positive. Young people who have just left school have difficulty finding work. People who have work are increasingly less sure of keeping their jobs. If you want to buy a house, house prices may be low, but it is becoming increasingly difficult for first-time buyers to get financing. If you want to get rid of your home, it may take a few years before you find a buyer. All in all not a positive outlook. Yet it is important to maintain a positive outlook on life. Think in opportunities, not problems.
Spend less money
No matter how positive we are about life, the fact remains that life is becoming more expensive every year, our income is not adjusted to it and the future has become more uncertain for many. It is wise to take this into account. You can do this by getting used to spending less money. Do you really need that extra pair of shoes? Isn’t it wise to make a savings pot for unforeseen times? The trend is that people are saving more again.
Finish your studies
Knowledge is power. In these difficult economic circumstances you will have to be able to distinguish yourself on the labor market. Choose a study that suits you and work hard to complete your studies within the set period. The eternal student no longer exists. In the future, students will increasingly have to invest financially in their studies. If you want to get a return on your studies, you will have to put in serious work.
Time for yourself
With all the obligations, such as work, study, household, children, family and friends, there is often little time left for yourself. To prevent burnout, it is important to regularly make time for yourself. A good balance between obligations and attention to yourself ensures more relaxation in your life. You are better able to cope with problems.
Successful New Year’s resolutions
How do you make a good intention a success? Unfortunately, many good intentions fail before half of the new year. This is because many people set impossible goals for themselves. To have a greater chance of success, it is important not to set your goals too ambitiously. Do it in small steps. Choose one good intention that you focus on. Multiple good intentions at the same time set the bar far too high. Don’t be discouraged by a setback. Pick up the thread again as quickly as possible and persevere. Ask others for help to achieve your goal.
Concrete your goals by formulating them SMART. SMART stands for:
- Specifically
- Measurable
- Acceptable
- Realistic
- Time-bound
Specific: Set concrete goals for yourself. It is clearer if you set the goal of losing 6 kilos in three months than if you just plan to diet.
Measurable: By concretizing your goals you make them easier to measure. If you have lost 1.5 kilos after a month, you know that you are 0.5 kilo behind schedule. Acceptable: Don’t set your goals too high. Look at your previous line attempts. What is an acceptable number of kilos that you can lose in those three months?
Realistic: From previous dieting attempts you know that it is not realistic to set your goal for three months at 10 kilos. Then don’t impose this on yourself. Set your goals a little lower so that it remains achievable. Even with a temporary setback.
Time-bound: Set a time limit within which you want to achieve your goal. This provides something to hold on to.