New Year, New You!
Each of us meets a new year in our own way; but some, like this young boy, want to wish everyone happiness. Toronto Star Archives 24 December 1975.
It’s that time of year, “New Year, New Me!” Whether you want to try to quit smoking, or exercise more, or learn to save money, Toronto Public Library has your back. Now as someone who is a classic resolution maker (then breaker), this is usually how my year unfolds:
January: I am eager and focused on my resolution/goal!
February: I start to loose motivation and have a cheat day here and there.
March: comes “in like a lion, and out like a lamb,” aka I'm doing very little to work towards my new goal by the end of the month.
April: I think 
So why is 2017 going to be different? How do we make a lasting change you ask? I have researched a number of New Year's Resolution, self-help and motivation articles, including past TPL blogs on the subject found here, here and here, in an attempt to find the right tips to share with you. Basically I've gone ahead and done the legwork for you, so no excuses this year, team! These are the tips that I think are the most useful for our purposes of making an ACTUAL change in 2017:
- Be specific and realistic. This entails planning and taking small steps towards your resolution/goal every day.
- Talk about it …that means out loud …to other people! Yes, my dog Lennon is also excited about our 2017 running goal but we need real people to make us accountable.
Don't be like Hagrid, in fact go ahead and comment below and tell me what your goal is for 2017! - Keep trying. Even if you have a bad day, week or month, don’t write off your resolution/goal. You had this resolution/goal for a reason, so remind yourself why and recommit.
- Stop all or nothing thinking. This is similar to tip #3 but equally critical to success. If you get off track, forgive yourself and recommit. As my favourite gym instructor says, even if you don't have the best workout, you're still lapping everyone on the couch.
- Plan rewards for yourself when you reach a milestone, especially in the beginning! Rewards are different for each person, but try to avoid a counterproductive reward system, like if you quit smoking for a whole month, avoid rewarding yourself with a cigarette. I plan on rewarding myself with a new piece of gear for every 50 km Lennon and I run this year …don't worry, he'll get something too.
Looking for other resources to help you? Check out these new books and learn even more tips for breaking bad habits and changing behaviours, with the convenience of multiple formats to suit your needs.
The Here and Now Habit: Book | eBook | eAudiobook
The Little Book of Big Change: Book |eBook
Smart Change: Book | eBook |eAudiobook
Rewire: Book | eBook
Making Habits, Breaking Habits: Book | eBook | eAudiobook
Choose The Life You Want: Book | eBook | eAudiobook
With these tips and resources in mind, let's get started, or get back on track, with our resolutions/goals! I wish you real success in 2017. Feel free to comment and tell me about your own resolutions/goals or tips/resources you find useful.
Happy New Year, Team!
-Reagan (& Lennon)
16 thoughts on “New Year, New You!”
Great post!
(I especially need to listen to #4!)
Great post Reagan! I really like those words from your favourite gym instructor. I’ll definitely keep them mind when I’m feeling lazy (which is most days). Good luck with your running.
I’m guilty of #4 as well, Katherine. At the end of the day we are all human and remember that every little step accumulates to change in enough time. Best of luck 🙂
She’s a wise lady, Kelli, and admittedly those words have gotten me off the couch on more than one occasion. Hope the new year is treating you well!
Thanks for your post Reagan, I am going to tell everybody about my resolutions this year to help myself be accountable. I like the reward system for keeping on track just have to figure sskating mething out rather than a chocolate bar!
Great post, thanks Reagan. I especially like the first point about taking small steps towards your overall goal. When you can see progress, however small, it makes staying on track easier. Eg. Losing a pound or 2 a week towards the overall goal of 25 lbs. and not beating my ourself up if you fall short one week.
Thanks again
Ps The pooch looks like he needs some rest
Thanks Reagan for the great ideas. I am the same as you and start off strong and then slowly fall apart. I am going to tell friends about my goal of following a low fat diet ( think I just told a whole bunch of people!) and I will hear your gym instructors voice that a little is better then nothing. Thanks for doing the leg work for us !!!!
Superbly crafted, Reagan. Your supportive down-to-earth approach will make these tips easy to remember! My resolution is to be more awesome; although, I am worried I have reached the maximum human capacity for this trait. Instead, I will strive to beat my half-marathon personal best of 1 hour 30 mins despite my aging bones and expanding waistline. Thank you!
Excellent post, Reagan, especially the note about saying your goals aloud to others. I’ve certainly found it helps keep me accountable. Good luck to you and Lennon on your running journey this year!
Great post Reagan! Keep them coming.
My resolution is for my husband and I to walk/hike more together – healthy and good for our relationship.
Tell the world, Wendy! Best of luck this year.
I agree, Stan. Small steps and seeing progress, however small, is very encouraging. The pooch is making small gains as well, went from a 1 km run kind of dog up to a 5 km running buddy so we are both happy campers!
You certainly did just tell a whole bunch of people, Terry. Good luck with the low fat diet and thanks for the comment!
Awesome resolution, Ryan. That is an excellent half-marathon time, good luck beating it this year!
Thanks for the comment, Hollis! Best of luck this year to you as well.
Thanks for the support, Kate. You’re husband sounds like a lucky man – enjoy your walks/hikes together!