By now you are already busy with this year’s resolutions. From exercising more to eating healthier. But you still wonder whether you will be able to keep them up. Fortunately, we have a few tips for you on how to best do this. Read on!
This way you can keep your good intentions
1. Link your intention to a value that is important to you
In this way, your intention gains meaning, because you link it to concrete behavior. So think carefully about the underlying value of your intention? You can link exercise to your health or self-care. Calling your girlfriend every week is part of the importance you attach to connection.
2. Express your intentions
Research has shown that you are more likely to stick to your resolutions if you express them. So what are you waiting for? Just speak out! Share your intentions with your loved ones and also give them the attention to speak to you about it. This way you increase social pressure and this can help you when things get difficult.
3. Formulate positively
Many resolutions are full of negative words. Think about less, not doing anything or stopping… Our brain often has difficulty coping with this. A little more positivity is welcome. It provides an alternative to the behavior you want to unlearn. In this way, ‘no more snacking’ can be converted into ‘eating healthy snacks more often’. ‘Watch less TV’ can become ‘read more’.
4. Reminders
Put a reminder for your resolutions in your calendar or mobile phone, with the message ‘check resolution 2024’. This way you can evaluate yourself with each reminder, reward yourself or encourage yourself again.
5. Identify obstacles
Write down all the obstacles you think you will encounter. Think of thoughts, feelings and physical sensations that are actually trying to stop you from going for your goal. Think of ‘I’m tired enough to exercise’ ‘I’ve worked hard, so now I deserve a piece of cake.’ Some obstacles are clear and others you need to unravel a little better. Don’t underestimate them.
6. Make your goal concrete
The more concrete your intention is, the easier it will be for you to stick to it. For example, ‘do more sports’ is a very vague resolution, because which sport exactly do you want to practice? Prevent procrastination by setting your intention in terms: What will you do within 24 hours? What are you doing next week and what do you want to do next month?
7. Visualize
Just visualize! Think of photos, quotes and words that will give strength to your resolutions. Hang your collage in a place where you visit a lot. This way you always take a moment to think about your goal.
8. Give yourself two months
Of course, an intention is not a habit. You will really have to take the time and do it consistently. After two months or maybe sooner, you will notice that it takes no effort and that it comes naturally. So just cut through that sour apple and keep going!
