The ONLY NYE 🍾resolution you'll need
I'll admit I'm a sucker for New Year's resolutions. A chance to start over, try something new, or just commit to a goal. I'm all in.
But there's one resolution I've learned eclipses all others. And if you don't take this one seriously, there's no use even trying.
GIVE YOURSELF GRACE
Yep, grace.✨
And this is not TOUCHY-FEELY (although it does feel good, I won't lie.)
This is real science. So let's break it down. And along the way, let's bust a couple of myths as well.
✨ HABITS DON'T TAKE 21 OR EVEN 30 DAYS TO CEMENT.
The average is 66 days up to 256 days depending on the habit. That means a minumum of March 6th if you're wondering and the harder the habit, the longer it will take. Give yourself grace and time.
✨ SLIPPING UP IS PART OF THE PROCESS AND IN FACT, THOSE WHO SLIP UP AND THEN RE-COMMIT ARE FAR MORE LIKELY TO INSTILL A HABIT.
In studies of people who try to quit smoking, those who try at least three times are the ones most likely to succeed. Now, imagine if they had given up after the first or even second setback. Expect to fail, embrace it and use it as valuable information.
✨THE MORE YOU BERATE YOURSELF OVER SLIPPING UP, THE LESS LIKELY YOU ARE TO SUCCEED.
There is no shame in the definition of accountability, I know you want to think that if you "go easy" on yourself, you won't succeed but it's just not true. The more you self-criticize, the more you stay in the survival center of your mid-brain AND THEN reach for exactly the thing you are trying to stay away from. Study after study proves this, trust me. No better yet, just try it.
Here's the truth. Whatever you are committing to in the new year, making the commitment is part of the success. (And no, this is not a we-all-get-a-trophy kind of pep talk.) I mean it. Committing to change puts you in the spiral of change and once you're there, you'll be fine as long as you:
✨Give yourself time
✨Expect to fail
✨And love on yourself when you do.
You're human. That's all and everything.
So Happy New Year! I'm sure hoping 2022 gives us more of what this world needs.
And big gratitude to all who emailed me your ONE WORD for 2022 and doing the ritual. (IF you missed last week's email, it's here on my blog as well.) I was so inspired by what came out of it.
My word, as you know, was ENOUGH and when it comes to resolutions, that has many meanings as you can see. But most importantly, that I am enough, no matter what I try or commit to.
This is actually the first year I haven't made any resolutions yet (other than the one in this email!) So we shall see, maybe I'm saying ENOUGH to those as well. 🤣
But I'd love to hear yours, maybe I'll get inspired to take one on 😘
And I'll catch you on the other side of 2021. 🍾May the end of this year nourish you.
Sending love and big virtual hugs (hoping for more real ones in the future!)
And as always,
Live Well,
Tanmeet