With the start of a new year, comes resolution and for someone who worked in retail leadership for over twenty years, I understand resolutions. Afterall billion-dollar campaigns are built around new year resolutions!
And while I understand the need to set resolutions, I personally don't set any. While some people will stick to their resolutions and accomplish their goals, countless studies have shown that more than 50% abandons their resolutions before the month ends!
The idea that you have to wait for a particular day to start something has never sat well with me and often times gives us an excuse for poor behavior before we start which can be quite damaging, for example people planning to go on a diet or do a dry January will use the holiday season to binge eat and drink which can be quite damaging.
Goals are important, so instead of putting pressure on yourself to do a massive overhaul at the start of the new year, start small and start where you are, especially if it is something that is important to you.
Ask yourself three things:
What is it that I want to accomplish?
What do I need to do to accomplish it?
What is holding me back for accomplishing it?
And this should always be top of mind, what is your why?
While I will never discourage anyone from having a resolution, I would encourage them to stop putting so much pressure on themselves for a big goal that can leave you feeling discouraged if you don't achieve it, but instead start with small steps that will lead you to your big overall goal!