New Year, New me - how can you make the new year's resolutions stick? My top tips.

New year is a perfect time to make plans and finally go after the things you wanted to. Also, according to research by mid-January most have forgotten or given up their goals. Why is that?

It could be many things: perhaps it is not what you really want? (maybe it is the society dictating); perhaps you need a system to remind yourself of the goals on a regular basis; perhaps your environment is not supporting the goals; perhaps the goal is in conflict with who you are (your identity).

It is difficult to give a one-size fits all approach because we are all unique and we are all at very different stages in our lives. Still, some more or less universal truths apply for making a significant change:

1. Instead of a goal of achieving something, think larger - who do you need to become in order for the goal to materialise. Do you need to become a healthy person, more open and friendly, do you need to change your beliefs?

2. Do you need to go against your default decisions? If you have not noticed changes in your life you might be stuck doing the same things - notice it and try to go against the default decision.

3. Is your environment supporting you? You can walk through your typical day in your mind and notice if it is supportive or not.

4. Be specific about what you want - what is the pleasure you get out of this change? What is the pain associated with NOT changing and remaining the same? You can write these down as lists with as many details as possible.

5. Be consistent, take action, small steps. Small consistent steps are the key. It is usually about the "boring" everyday work without any life hacks that gets you results. So many of us are addicted to apps, gadgets, online gurus because they promise quick fixes - we get addicted to them because they ALMOST work.

   
   

   Consistency over intensity, basics over life hacks. Zoom out and look at your life as a whole and your identity in the context of the changes you want to make.

   
   

   HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025!