(ThyBlackMan.com) Here we are a month and a half into 2018 and one thing that is at the forefront of most people minds, still, is new year’s resolutions. I know for me, I don’t want what I promised myself and the universe in January to be forgotten one month later. A lot of people feel that same way and while we work hard to ensure we follow through, by February, that just isn’t always the case.
Why does this happen? I mean, we start off with the best intentions and even put things into motion to make these dreams come true. But then for some reason, somehow, it all falls apart. The good news is if this is you, it’s only the second month of the year so you have time to recover. You don’t have to let the fact that you’ve slacked a bit keep you from getting back into the game.
So, if you find yourself to be in a bit of a new year’s resolution slump, here are a few ways to get out of it.
Refocus on the Mission
You know how it is when you have a good idea and are ready to go. The momentum that you used to fuel your start begins to wane and things don’t seem as fun anymore. It’s in these moments where you have to refocus. Sit down and go over whatever resolutions you planned for yourself. Determine what you’ve done so far and go from there.
Reevaluate Your Resolutions
Sometimes it’s not a matter of you following through but it’s a matter of your resolutions being “unreasonable.” By that I mean you may have a huge goal you want to accomplish but are going about it wrong because you haven’t mapped out steps. When you have something major that you want to do, tackling it all at once can be overwhelming. Go back and look at your goals. If you have to readjust it so you can be better equipped to reach it, by all means, do that.
Write Things Down
You would be surprised to know how many people do not write down their goals. This is a huge misstep. During your refocusing, take the time to actually write down your resolutions. Take it a step further by including measurable things that will help keep you on track. This will serve you greatly over the next few months.
Manage Your Expectations
Approach your resolutions in a way that you have a realistic view of expectations in accomplishing them. This means that if your goal is to lose 30 lbs., don’t expect that to happen in a month because when it doesn’t, that’s when discouragement sets in. That is also usually when you stop efforts altogether. Managing your expectations is a very effective way of helping you stay our track. It can also help you get back on track. You just have to be honest with yourself.
Slumps are a part of life. At some point, we all fall into them. But the key to rising above setbacks, discouragement, and the occasional slump is to reset yourself so you can go forward with a clear, open, and determined heart.
Staff Writer; Rasheda Abdullah
