We’re kicking off a brand-new year, hooray! This means you’re about to hear a whole lot of talk about New Year’s resolutions. But if I’m being honest, I don’t like New Year’s resolutions. While I’m all for intentionality and goal setting, something about a resolution just seems like a set up for discouragement and failure.
So if you feel similar, if New Year’s resolutions aren’t your thing, then check out the video below. I’ve got you covered with something else to try instead!
If you don’t like New Year’s resolutions, but you still want to be intentional about your year, here’s something else to try. Adopt or create a mantra. Not totally sure what a mantra is? A mantra is a simple phrase that captures a big idea. It’s meant to guide you in moments of choice or decision, encouraging you to make choices that are in line with your goals and values.
If you’re working to not be such a people pleaser, then try the mantra, “You can’t please everybody, and that’s ok.” When you feel pulled to say yes or jump through hoops for someone, repeat this mantra over and over, helping yourself set boundaries and make a healthier choice.
If you’re trying to spend less money or live more minimally, use the mantra, “Use what you have.” Then, when you feel tempted to buy or spend, you’ve got this phrase in your back pocket, guiding your decision. (PS: If this mantra really speaks to you, I’ve got a whole post on it here.)
If you’re working to manage your anxiety better, if you’re working to face your fears, use the phrase, “I can be anxious and still deal.” Then, when you’re anxious and your brain is trying to tell you that you can’t do something, you can repeat this mantra, nudging yourself to keep going. (Hear more about this mantra and how to use it here.)
Mantras help you lean toward what is healthy, not just what feels good in the moment. They help you make good decisions over and over. They keep you working toward your goals and values. Mantras are powerful shapers of behavior, particularly in moments of choice and decision, and they’re perfect for the New Year.
So if you don’t like New Year’s resolutions, try a mantra instead. Start by thinking about the idea you want to address or work on. Then, find a simple phrase to capture this concept. If you want some examples, head over to my Instagram, and check out my “mantras” saved stories. I post a brand-new mantra each week, and you can see all the old mantras there. There are a ton to choose from! You can also check out this video, where I outline three simple tips for creating your very own mantra for the New Year.
Don’t feel pressured to create a New Year’s resolution just because everyone else does. Do something different, and adopt a mantra for your year. Your goals and your life will thank you! What’s your mantra for the New Year?
PS: You can read about my mantra for 2018 here and my mantra for 2017 here.
