Resolutions: A Success Coach says Focus on the Small Changes

Ringing in the new year is often a time for reflection and resolution. We want to change and better ourselves, and the dawning of a new year has often been the signal for a fresh start. In fact,

a survey on finder.com states that 141.1 million adult Americans think that following through with those resolutions is well within the cards.

However, only 4% of people actually stick to their resolutions.

Throw in trying to focus on change as well as start a new year in pandemic times and the question arises: What should we be doing?

Dr. Wayne Pernell, a success coach, said don’t overthink it.

“As a breakthrough success coach rooted in psychology, I suggest my clients never make New Year’s resolutions.” Pernell said. “My advice is to look back over the past several months and take a personal inventory. For example, if you gained the COVID 10 pounds, note that those pounds didn’t come on overnight. They grew and developed based on habits.”

So how can we start progressing toward those new habits? According to Pernell:

• Up-leveling Your Career:You’ll want to do something to up-level your skills and then up-level the people you’re surrounding yourself with. Deliberately engage with people who push you to be your best and expect the same from you — not 50/50, both people giving 100% toward a goal.
• Getting Physically Healthier:Change doesn’t come overnight, it comes from changing your daily habits and sticking with those small changes. Bring out the celery, carrots, or snap peas vs. the chips and dip when you want something crunchy. Set alarms for yourself to drink water or get up and move until these new habits become routine. Surprisingly, it’s not just about substitution, it’s about injecting a new tiny habit into your behavioral pattern. Want to encourage yourself to work out? Put your gym clothes at the end of the bed each night. The habit of setting your intention at night increases the likelihood of following through.
• Getting Mentally Healthier: The same rules apply for improving mental health. Focus on small changes. Be deliberate about learning something new every week. Focus back on the relationships that matter, starting with yourself, and set alarms to push toward mental health, including reminding yourself to smile each day.