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(And I really do mean it this time!)
Yes, I know that most new years resolutionsepically fail.
So I started wondering: What would happen if I test drove some resolutions right away?
clinical psychologist, life fulfillment expert, and author ofDate Smart,Joy From Fear, andAging Joyfully
Out with expectations of immediate perfection; in with an attitude of curiosity and experimentation!
Unfortunately, we dont magically become different people when the calendar changes.
But the longer, the better if I wanted it to stick.
So… how did the experiment go?
All told, my pre-resolutions gave me new insight on this whole tradition.
Heres what I learned.
Sometimes change can be uncomfortable and hard because its unfamiliar, not because its unhealthy.
Conversely,morning sunshine plus physical activityhelp put me on track to wind down when bedtime rolls around.
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clinical psychologist, life fulfillment expert, and author ofDate Smart,Joy From Fear, andAging Joyfully
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With the version of yourself that you want to show up as?
We tend to make time for whats truly important to us.
By contrast, resolutions based on what we think weshoulddo are likely to failfast.
My takeaway:Strolling around the neighborhood every morning isnt really about the exercise.
Its about undistracted quality time with my S.O.
and enjoying some gentle movement outdoors to start my day on a positive note.
Even when I was tempted to hit snooze instead, those motivations kept me going.
That critical mind is often tied to perfectionism inherited from society or our parents, she says.
Whats preventing you from making it to that yoga class?
What happens right before you eat all the chocolate chip cookies?
Rather, I should simply reflect onwhyit didnt happenand stay open to revising the original resolution.
Give space and credence to what changes youhavemade, she told me.
Sometimes change can be uncomfortable and hard because its unfamiliar, not because its unhealthy.
Schunkewitzs final advice to me: Keep going, with love.
My takeaway:Some mornings, breaking my walking streak by sleeping in will be in my best interest.
Other days, pushing myself to get up and get out will be the right choice.
This experiment left me with a new perspective on New Years resolutions.
Sure, its still tempting to buy into the clean-slate mindset offered by a brand-new year.
But if the intention is important to me, what am I waiting for?
Heres to the (realistic, gradual, and flexible) resolutions that start today.
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