Let's face it, even well-intentioned resolutions get played out quickly. They tend to be so joyless, focused on what we won't do or be for the new year, and such a flaw-centered mentality isn't the way to make positive changes. And not only that, but we make resolutions in a post-holiday haze, swearing off bad habits FOR THE YEAR. That's a lot to bite off in the wee hours of Jan. 1. No wonder resolutions are tough to keep.
So instead of zeroing in on the thing that needs fixing, we suggest that you come at New Year's resolutions in a fresh, forward-thinking way. Here are three different takes to excite and inspire change in 2015:
1. Dive into something you love
Recently we found an excellent, inspiring, and funny list of New Year's resolutions at the online magazine Thought Catalog. The best of the bunch? Putting your resources -- energy, time, money -- into activities that bring you joy.
Think about the huge bump gym memberships get this time of year. Is it because people really love treadmills, elliptical trainers, and free weights? For most, probably not. You're there because you want to get fit or lose weight, perhaps, and the gym becomes an obligation. An important one, yes, but one easily gone to the wayside when the novelty wears off.
Love movies? Watch more. Learn more about them. Adore make-up? Learn more about colors, ingredients, techniques. Love pastries? Buy or borrow a cookbook and make magic with sugar and eggs. As Lev Novak at Thought Catalog writes, "invest in something you'll like and like yourself for doing."
2. Resolve to address the stress first
Quitting a bad habit is by all means a worthy goal. But that isn't where you start. Big life changes like weight management or, say, cutting back on overwork are thorny and tough because they're usually all tied up with how you manage stress.
Here's what I mean. You want to work no more than 40 hours a week. The first few weeks are great; you're home for dinner every night. But then a client freaks out and her stress triggers your stress and you flip into survival mode, working all hours, missing sleep, as long as the job gets done -- and your life looks just like it did pre-resolution.
Change has to start with with resolving to understand what pushes you into the red zone. Once you know your stress triggers, you can find and craft tools to help you manage the effect of the stress. Then, when you commit to new choices and changes, you're much more prepared for the natural ups and downs to come.
3. Commit to a shorter timeframe, instead of a whole year at once
No one stands by the importance of managing the effects of stress more than meQuilibrium, but even we don't believe in making a blanket, yearlong, "I will address my stress" resolution when the clock ticks into the new year.
Instead, we suggest small goals bound by reasonable time limits. Can you consistently work on your bedtime routine for two weeks with the goal of lights out, no electronic devices, by 10 p.m.? Yes, you can. Can you walk for 20 minutes every day at lunch for two weeks? Yes, you can.
This year, step out of the cycle. Commit to a joy, address your stress, and think sprints, not a marathon. You'll find the resolve for your resolutions.
Want to hit two birds with one stone? Resolve to address your stress and do it in just 14 days! Check out our book, meQuilibrium: 14 Days to Cooler, Calmer, and Happier. Pre-order wherever books are sold.
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.