New Year’s Resolutions rarely work. Because of this failing trend, the US and many other countries have declared the second Friday in January “Quitter’s Day.”
I don’t know about you, but I don’t like that term at all. It makes me want to dive deeper into my goal-getting and tell the people who coined this term to pound sand. I can see why it happens, though….there’s so much pressure to be perfect for a New Year’s Resolution! I am here to share how you can push through this mentality and reach your long-term goals without sacrificing your short-term mental health.
The simple solution is to make daily, weekly, and monthly lists of things you’re grateful for, things you get to do, and things you must do. I love lists and using my trusty highlighter to mark off those items on my to-do list, even if I’m usually the only one who knows what they mean. I started this habit about 5 years ago because New Year’s Resolutions (along with midlife) made me feel bad about myself when I’d let those goals slide by the time my February birthday rolled around. Something magical happens to a woman in midlife when she becomes more authentic to herself versus the outside world. We trade youth and caring what people think for perimenopause, hot flashes, and honesty. Below is an honest glimpse at my daily list.
Yes, I need a reminder to water myself. Anyone else? And anyone in Michigan will add sunshine as something to be grateful for in the winter months.
I still make New Year’s Resolutions as a list of 10 big things I will make happen in the upcoming year personally and professionally, but I don’t make small daily habits part of those big resolutions. Small daily habits like workouts, taking care of myself and gratitude happen in my daily resolution list. Immediate, short term goals happen in my weekly list that often includes our household/work/personal schedule for the week. Monthly reflections and resolutions include what I hope to accomplish professionally, for our family and physically for my health.
Breaking down these goals and plans (because a goal needs a plan) into smaller daily, weekly and monthly doses is a habit I developed after I let go of the once a year resolutions.
Do I make New Year’s Resolutions? Absolutely! It aligns into my “By the Time I’m 50” plans (one year left!) and it’s fun to ring in a new year with wishes, goals and aspirations. It’s an exciting time!
One long-term goal I have is to build more muscle so that my kids don’t have to help me use the toilet when I’m 85. (I’ve shared this goal with them and I can tell you they are encouraging and grateful for it too. ) The older I get, the more the research of aging speaks to me: women in midlife MUST lift weights. It’s non-negotiable. One of the many ways I will be sticking to this goal is by joining the next Build Challenge that starts on January 6th, 2025.
Thanksgiving through the whole month of December was a busy time for me and I was not as consistent as I had been the previous months. I had a full week of travel for my college freshman’s soccer, I was working in-office for a client and then we celebrated Christmas at home with everyone. This meant a lot of driving, sitting and indulging! I slept in, I rested and I focused only on family time and daily walks with my husband. I am not beating myself up over this, because I know I’ll get back to my goals. Consistency is a long game, not a short one.
If you want to realign your goals or need a place to start, join the Build Challenge. It will help you cruise right through “Quitter’s Day” and help you find the gentle consistency you can take with you all year. I also encourage you to make your daily lists and create a workout space in the corner of your room that inspires you. My workout corner is one of my favorite spaces in my house and inspires me to visit often.
My workout space is a work in progress. It didn’t happen overnight (it took years) and I’m not done with it (I need more weights). Yes, that’s a giant fan because, well, menopause is HOT.
I hope to see your name on the Build Challenge list. Reach out to find out more and have a Happy New Year!
– Marlene
