Revisiting Your New Year Resolutions or Goals? It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint!

A new year often brings a sense of renewed energy, a fresh start, and the tradition of setting New Year's resolutions or goals.

However, by the end of January, many of us may already be feeling the strain of these self-imposed expectations. As we approach February, it's not uncommon to see a waning commitment to these goals, or feelings of demoralisation due to a fall from the proverbial wagon.

The key to maintaining momentum is understanding that it's always possible to hit the reset after a ‘fall’; get up, dust yourself off and jump back on if you want. Or not!

It may also be that the initial goal or expectation set needs re-assessing, tweaking or even replacing or removing altogether now you are experiencing its viability in a real-life context.

Perfection is not the goal.?

I for one have conditioned myself to aim for the best in everything I do, however perfection can become a dangerous trap. Attempting significant change or gunning for a stretch goal too quickly can become overwhelming and most likely, is unrealistic. By focusing on identifying a small number of achievable and actionable goals that can be made daily or weekly and implementing these, increases the chances of long-term change.

Adaptability is crucial.?In the business world, we are ready to pivot, adapt, and amend strategies based on the market's demands. The same principle applies to personal goals. If a particular approach isn't working, it doesn't mean the goal is unachievable; it might just be time to tweak your strategy so it works better for you. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all solution, and what works for one person might not work for another.

Celebrate small victories.?Every step taken towards a goal, no matter how small, is a victory worth celebrating. Recognizing these small wins not only boosts motivation and morale, but also builds confidence. It's these seemingly insignificant victories that compound over time and lead to substantial change.

Self-compassion is key.?If you slip up on your resolutions, don't beat yourself up. Instead, show yourself the same compassion you'd extend to a colleague or friend in the same situation. Remember that you can always start again and that the person judging you the most is likely yourself.

So, as we shortly transition into February, it may be helpful to break down bigger goals or expectations and ask yourself “what do I need to do this month, fortnight or week that will progress me closer to the required result?”

Each section of time may require a different approach or level of commitment; accumulatively they all contribute in the pursuit of the same goal. By easing the pressure for immediate transformation and investing in a commitment to 'continuous improvement', we give ourselves more space to effectively manage and overcome smaller challenges, as well as recognise and celebrate the small victories along the way.

What are your February commitments?