Mindful Resolution Revolution: 10 Mindful, Compassionate, and Kaizen Tips for Nudging Your Life in the Right Direction in the New Year
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sunrise and new beginnings
It's that time of year again: The New Year is upon us, and with it comes the annual tradition of making resolutions for the year ahead.
But let's be real: how many of us actually stick to our resolutions? Don't worry, we've got you covered. We've compiled a list of 10 tips for a mindful, compassionate, and kaizen approach to New Year's Resolutions.
These tips will help you set specific, achievable goals, practice self-compassion, take small steps, seek support, and more. So let's ring in the new year with a renewed sense of purpose and a plan to make our resolutions a reality!
Make your resolutions SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound): Don't just say "exercise more," be specific with something like "do a 5-minute meditation three times a week at 8am." This way, you'll know exactly what you're working towards and how to track your progress.
Don't be a meanie to yourself: We all make mistakes, so remember not to beat yourself up if you slip up on your resolutions. Be kind and understanding with yourself as you work towards your goals. A little loving-kindness meditation can help with this.
Baby steps are still steps: Don't try to change everything at once, it's not sustainable (trust me, I've tried). Instead, take small, incremental steps that add up over time. This kaizen approach will make your resolutions feel more manageable. Google ‘Shamash Alidina Kaizen’ for my articles on the subject.
Surround yourself with cheerleaders: Find people who support your goals and are willing to help you stay on track. This could be friends, family, a support group, or a coach or mentor. Having a support system will give you a much-needed boost when things get tough. Our email list is a cheerleader in itself too!
Be present, like really present: Pay attention to your thoughts and actions in the present moment, and try to be fully engaged in what you're doing. This mindfulness thing can really help you stay focused and motivated.
Repeat after me: "I make space for my thoughts and feelings," "I allow myself to feel however I’m feeling." Acceptance can do wonders for your wellbeing and mental health, so give it a try!
Don't wait for the finish line to celebrate: Take time to celebrate your small victories along the way. This will keep you motivated and on track. A bit of chocolate anyone?
It's okay to pivot: If something isn't working for you, feel free to adjust your approach or try something new. It's all about finding what works best for you. Let’s be flexible.
Gratitude is key: Take time each day to reflect on the things you're grateful for. This will help keep your goals in perspective and remind you of all the good stuff in your life. One lovely moment is just when your head hits the pillow at night. This will help you sleep better too.
Be patient with yourself: Progress takes time, so don't be too hard on yourself if you're not seeing immediate results. Give yourself credit for the progress you've made and be patient with yourself as you work towards your goals.
I hope these tips help make your New Year's resolutions a little more mindful, compassionate, and kaizen-y!
PS - Don't want to set New Year's resolutions? No problem! If you're not feeling it, that's totally okay. But if you're looking to make changes or achieve personal growth, consider setting intentions or creating a vision board with your goals. You can also focus on self-care and making small, positive changes in your daily life. Remember, the most important thing is to do what feels right for you and what will help you live your best life. Happy New Year!
