How many times have you started a year with the firm determination to fulfill all those resolutions you have set for yourself? From exercising regularly and eating healthier, to learning a new language or changing jobs, New Year's resolutions are often an opportunity to set goals and aspirations for the future. However, as the months go by, many of us find ourselves abandoning those resolutions and returning to our old routines. Why is it so difficult for us to achieve what we set out to do?
The psychology of new year's resolutions
To understand why It is so difficult for us to fulfill our New Year's resolutions, it is important to delve into the field of psychology. Our behavior is influenced by a series of psychological factors that can hinder or facilitate the achievement of our goals. One of the main problems lies in the way we usually set out and approach our resolutions.
The importance of clarity and specificity
One of the common mistakes when setting year resolutions What is new is the lack of clarity and specificity in the goals we propose. Saying "I want to get in shape this year" is a vague and ambiguous goal that leaves room for interpretation and makes it difficult to track our progress. On the other hand, establishing a specific goal such as "I want to lose 10 kilos in the next 6 months through regular exercise and a balanced diet" gives us a clear and defined guide to guide our actions.
The power of planning and organization
Another factor that influences our ability to fulfill our New Year's resolutions is the lack of planning and organization. Many times we get carried away by the emotion of the moment when setting our goals, without stopping to think about the specific steps we must follow to achieve them. Without a detailed and structured action plan, we are more likely to get off track or feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of the task.
Strategies to turn words into actions
Fortunately , there are psychological strategies that can help us turn our New Year's resolutions into tangible realities. If you really want to meet your goals and make this year different, consider implementing the following recommendations:
1. Set SMART goals
Use the SMART approach to define your purposes more effectively. This acronym refers to specific, measurable, achievable, relevant objectives with a specific time frame. By applying this methodology, you will be able to identify more precisely what you want to achieve, how to measure your progress, what resources you need, why it is important to you and when you hope to achieve it.
2. Break your goals into small steps
Breaking your goals into small, manageable steps can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and increase your short-term motivation. Instead of seeing your purpose as a gigantic and intimidating task, break it down into simpler and more concrete actions that you can carry out progressively. Celebrating each small achievement will give you the necessary motivation to continue moving towards your final goal.
3. Create a detailed action plan
Create a detailed action plan that specifies the specific steps you must follow, the resources you need, and the time you will dedicate to each task. Set schedules, deadlines, and reminders to stay focused on your goals and avoid postponing your actions. The more structured your plan is, the easier it will be for you to track your goals throughout the year.
4. Visualize your goals achieved
Use positive visualization to imagine in detail what it would be like to achieve your New Year's resolutions. Visualize yourself enjoying the benefits of achieving your goals, feeling the satisfaction and pride of having achieved it. This technique can help you reinforce your motivation, reduce anxiety and keep your focus on the desired result.
5. Seek support and accountability
Sharing your goals with other trusted people and seeking social support can be key to maintaining motivation and discipline throughout the process. Establish an accountability system in which you publicly commit to meeting your goals and are accountable to someone who will accompany you on this path. Emotional support and constructive feedback from others can make the difference between success and failure in achieving your goals.
Conclusions
Keeping New Year's resolutions is not a simple task, but it is not impossible either. With an adequate understanding of the psychological principles that underlie our behaviors and the application of effective strategies, we can transform our words into concrete and tangible actions. The path to achieving our purposes will require effort, persistence and commitment, but the benefits and personal satisfaction that we will obtain by achieving our goals will be worth it.