How’s Your New Year’s Resolution Going?
I hope you’re still keeping up with it and feeling better for it! As for mine, it’s still going strong—though, I suppose, it’s only February!
Now, take a moment to think back... What happened to last year’s resolution? Did you stick with it, or do you even remember what it was?
There are two main reasons why we don’t stick with our resolutions. The first one is simple and easy to fix:
1. We Forget.
During the Christmas and New Year period, many of us have some time off and a bit of headspace to reflect. But once the holidays are over and we return to our routines, those good intentions often slip away.
The solution? Write them down and put them somewhere you’ll see them—on your fridge, on your phone, or anywhere you can’t miss it.
2. Motivation Is Unreliable.
Maybe you read something inspiring, had an insightful conversation, or experienced a health scare that motivated you to make a change. In that moment, you were ready to act.
But life happens. Each day brings new challenges, and as time goes on, our motivation fades. Eventually, we give up or forget.
So, what do you need? You need a system.
Create a System, Not Just Rely on Motivation.
Accept that you can’t always rely on motivation. It’s not a weakness or a fault if your motivation fades—it happens to all of us. If you’re waiting for motivation to always be there, you’ll be disappointed. Instead, create a plan. Make a system that supports your goals. Once it becomes a habit, you’re more likely to stick with it.
For example, do you brush your teeth every day because you’re motivated or inspired? Or because your dentist scared you into it? No! You do it because it’s part of your system. Even on the days when you’re tired or not feeling it, you still brush your teeth.
Your yoga, meditation, or any other practice should be the same. Set aside a realistic time each day and stick to it. I guarantee you won’t always feel like doing it—sometimes your mind will come up with plenty of excuses—but once it’s a system, you’re more likely to show up.
I do yoga and meditate every morning, and I also meditate again before bed. It’s part of my daily routine. Unless I’m on holiday or something unexpected happens, I stick to it. And, trust me, I don’t always feel like it, but I do it anyway!
One way to make this work is by signing up for a class. When you pre-book or commit to a block booking, you’re more likely to show up because you’ve already made an investment.
I join an online yoga class with a senior Ashtanga teacher once a week from 6:30 am. The night before, I sometimes wish the class would be cancelled (it rarely is😂), but once I’ve paid and booked it, I’m committed. Even on days when I’ve had a poor night’s sleep, I get up and do it.
To Summarise:
Stop relying solely on motivation and create a plan. Motivation doesn’t last forever, but having a system in place will ensure you stay on track. It’s not a weakness if your motivation fades—it’s simply part of the process. The key to success is the action plan and the system that turns your resolutions into lasting habits.
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