It is that time of year again where we promise to take better control of our lives. Whether it’s reclaiming our physical health, ditching bad habits, or picking up better ones; we want to look and feel good as we anticipate the year ahead. We stock up on the workout essentials and hit the over-packed gym (at least for a month or two). We set goals for the things we want to accomplish and swear to ourselves to stick to it, but many of us have a hard time following through. Mental health plays more of a role in your success than you may expect.
Here are 5 helpful tips on how to improve and maintain your mental health in order to be successful in all of your 2018 resolutions:
Sure, we would all like to achieve our ideal potential, but don’t set yourself up to fail with unrealistic expectations. Great things often take time and it can feel discouraging along the way. Set small attainable goals that you can accomplish and feel good about. This builds up the voice within us that says “I am making progress, I can do this”. With each small step forward, you can appreciate the journey to your destination.
You are more likely to be successful at something when you are passionate about doing it or can see the benefit of the change. Do your goals now bring you closer to your greater vision for the future? If you are not ready to tackle a new goal, or if you are just making a change for someone else, you are much less likely to stay onboard when things get tough.
Often it is our own thoughts that can hold us back from succeeding. We make excuses, put things off, and even give up entirely when the going gets tough. It is important to remember that setbacks happen, but having a positive outlook and reframing your situation can make a world of difference in helping you stay the course.
What makes you resilient to life’s curve balls? What are your strengths, and the things you like about yourself that will help you succeed with your new resolutions? Asking yourself these things, and being mindful of exactly that in trying times can keep that goal within sight and motivate you to keep at it!
We all need down time to relax and rejuvenate ourselves in order to avoid burnout and be happy and productive. Remember to take time to disconnect from life’s stressors and engage in activities that are meaningful to you. Self-care can be anything from rest and relaxation, self-expression through the arts, maintaining important friendships, or engaging in healthy activities such as yoga and meditation. Taking care of yourself is essential to your success but it is often placed low on the priority list.
Set yourself up for success in 2018 by recognizing how being mentally healthy can help you maintain your resolutions and live a meaningful life. Be purposeful with your goals, and believe in your ability to accomplish them!
