Happy New Year and Welcome to 2025 Everyone!
As the busyness of the end of the year is finally over, for many of us January brings with it some well-deserved rest. It is also the time of year that we start to consider what aspects of our life we may like to change over the coming year. This months blog includes some strategies to help you achieve your new year's goals, whatever they may be. Also, make sure you scroll to the end for some information on a workshop I'll be running in January, focusing on how to flourish in 2025!
Strategies to Achieve Your New Year’s Resolutions: Insights from Atomic Habits
The New Year is a time for fresh starts, ambitious goals, and the promise of positive change. However, research shows that nearly 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by February. The good news? James Clear’s Atomic Habits provides a roadmap to break this cycle and turn your resolutions into lasting habits. Here are some actionable strategies inspired by Clear’s principles:
1. Start Small: Focus on Atomic Changes
Clear’s core philosophy is that small, consistent actions lead to significant outcomes over time. Instead of setting a broad resolution like “Get fit,” narrow your focus to a manageable goal, such as committing to a 10-minute daily walk. Small actions are easier to sustain and provide a foundation for larger changes.
2. Leverage the Four Laws of Behaviour Change
Clear outlines four laws to build better habits:
Make it Obvious: Place cues in your environment that remind you of your goal. If you want to drink more water, keep a bottle on your desk.
Make it Attractive: Pair the habit with something enjoyable. Listen to your favourite podcast while exercising.
Make it Easy: Reduce friction by preparing in advance. Lay out your workout clothes the night before.
Make it Satisfying: Reward yourself for completing the habit. Celebrate small wins to maintain motivation.
3. Focus on Identity, Not Outcomes
One of the most profound insights in Atomic Habits is to shift your focus from what you want to achieve to who you want to become. For example, instead of saying, “I want to lose weight,” frame your goal as, “I am someone who prioritizes health.” This subtle shift can profoundly influence your actions and reinforce your commitment.
4. Track Your Progress
Habit tracking is a simple yet effective way to stay accountable. Use a calendar, app, or journal to mark each day you complete your habit. Seeing your streak grow creates a visual cue of progress and motivates you to keep going.
5. Surround Yourself with Supportive Influences
The people around you can significantly impact your habits. Align yourself with individuals who share your goals or values. Join a community, whether it’s an online group or a local club, to stay motivated and inspired.
6. Celebrate the Process, Not Just the Outcome
Resolutions often fail because people focus solely on end results. Instead, celebrate the small milestones and the effort you’re putting in. This reinforces the behaviour and keeps you engaged.
Would you like 2025 to be a year of less stress and overwhelm & more peace, balance, and joy?
Join our wonderful psychologist, Joanna Sleight, for an afternoon of relaxation, goal setting, and building resilience and well-being skills.
You will learn lots of practical strategies to implement into your life this year, including:
Knowing which physical health habits will boost your wellbeing.
How positive emotions can boost your resilience and how to build more of them into your life.
How to use your thinking to become more Mind Fit.
Learn a quick and easy stress reduction tool - Emotional Freedom Technique (Tapping).
Strategies to help you reach your health and well-being goals this year.
Date: Sunday 19th of January
Time: 1:00 to 3:00pm
Venue: Infinite Health Studio – Unit 4/324 Onslow Road, Shenton Park
Cost: $65
Book here: https://buy.stripe.com/4gw3fXet17HD4ZGaEE
If you would like individual support in setting and achieving your wellbeing goals this year, get in touch!
