A new year is upon us, and if you haven’t done so yet, you might be in the process of making 2021 resolutions.

It’s an annual tradition that many people have and this year, making 2021 resolutions might be one thing you are really thinking about – especially given the year we’ve all had!

The fact is, you are more likely to achieve your goals and dreams if you make 2021 resolutions and if you align them with your personal values, you are even MORE likely to achieve them.

So, how do you make resolutions that align with your personal values (and aren’t just your typical cookie cutter resolutions)? Here are a few things you need to know.

Make a vision board

One of the best ways to make sure your resolutions match your personal values is to actually SEE what you are resolving to change or learn. The act of making a vision board is powerful: It forces you to look deeply at the challenge and figure out a way to meet it head on.

Also, writing down your resolutions – or goals – makes your more likely to follow through. It serves as a powerful, visual reminder of your goals.

Identify your reasons

Many people set a generic resolution like lose weight or save more money. But if that doesn’t speak to you, how will you stick to it? To make sure your resolution fits with your personal values, identify your why. Do you want to lose weight so you are healthier and can be more active? Do you want to save money so you can travel or retire early? See how the mindset shifts? By identifying the reasons behind your resolutions, you can drill down into your values and make a more powerful commitment to change.

Why? Because you are likely more passionate about the reasons.

Set your course

Your values and dreams are your own, and thus, setting your own course to achieve your resolutions is unique to you. Trying to put yourself in a box, or achieve what others view as success, isn’t helpful in setting resolutions that align with your values. You may like to work out or eat healthy because it helps your anxiety or stress – not to lose weight. You may want to declutter your home not because you care what others think but because it feels good to let go of possessions you no longer need.

Setting your own course for success – which is basically just breaking your goal down into manageable “bites” you can achieve – is key to success. It also forces you to focus on the process and not the end result. After all, practice doesn’t make perfect – it makes progress!

Beacon Physical Therapy

At Beacon Physical Therapy, we want to help you live a happy, healthy, goal-driven life. If you are having an issue, make an appointment today. We’d love to meet you and get you back to doing what you love.