I don’t know why we have to make life changes in the dark and cold of January in the UK. I go for ongoing microgoals. Then maybe step something up in Spring when I feel a boost of energy with the longer days.
But if you really must make a resolution right now…
Then I urge you to operate a one-in one-out system
This is not necessarily to apply resolutions themselves. Although, if you have a pile of tattered resolutions, like that mountain of discarded wrapping paper of Christmas Day, then maybe a bonfire of half- resolutions is required, so you can focus on getting one thing properly established.
I more mean that for everything extra you resolve to do, you need to pair it with what you aren’t going to do in order to make time, energy and emotional space for it.
Do you have boundless energy, feel stress free and unfettered? Then ignore this and just add more demands on yourself – you will benefit and grow from more challenge.
But for the rest of us…. you are likely close to capacity already. Even something that is good for you, like more exercise, or eating more healthily, can be a drain if you don’t make an allowance elsewhere for it.
What drains you will be very individual, but here are some examples of things you could kick out:
* ‘Those’ whatsapp group chats
* Taking on all the housework
* Emails after 8pm
* Being the family taxi when the bus/bike are options
* Stretching or core exercise you hate doing
* Cooking everyday
* Chiropractor appointments you feel forced into keeping up
* Doom scrolling
You’ll notice that the ‘one-out’ is not always easy. It will involve saying no, setting up new alternative habits, or adjusting an attitude. This costs some energy in the short term, to free you up long term.
Hence just one- in + one-out is probably enough for any human to deal with at one time.
You can always repeat this process in 3 months, and pick another pair of things, when it’s all gone swimmingly.
So here’s my suggestion. Your ‘one in’ for 2025 could be regular structured rest with skill building for easy posture, muscle tension reduction and stress relief: Constructive Rest
Try it out with me for free online on 5th Jan 10am UK.
Sign up for Constructive Rest 5th Jan
It takes only a small amount of time to do a Constructive Rest, but your ‘one -out’ could be:
* ‘Relaxation’ time that isn’t working for you like tv, or phone scrolling.
* Swap to Constructive Rest instead of stretching to release tight muscles.
* It could replace meditation, if you’ve tried and it doesn’t work for you.
* It can replace ‘posture correction’ exercises.
* A regular Constructive Rest can definitely replace your overdoing it, and having crash out cycle.
* Anything that regularly sucks up 10 minutes of your time without benefiting you or the world
Think you can kick out something to make time? Come along and try it out. Sign up in advance to get the link in time to join!