Instead Of New Year’s Resolutions, Try This.

January has come and New Year’s resolutions are in full swing. Statistics show that as many as 41% of Americans make resolutions, but only 9% of us are successful in keeping them. What about taking a new approach? Instead of resolutions, try adopting a new idea. Here are three to try:

Self-care is not selfish. Make the practice of taking care of yourself guilt-free. We often make other people a priority and put our own needs last. Consider yourself, and figure out what fulfills and restores you. Shift your thinking by making your self-care necessary rather than indulgent. What might happen if you take this notion into the new year and beyond?

Let someone else do it. This is not a pass-the-buck thing. Rather, this is a consideration around “Who else can handle this besides me?” Of course, you load the dishwasher better than they do, and of course, you will set-up the team meeting with perfection. But everything can’t be important. What if you surrender some tasks to others and use that reclaimed time to do something more enriching? What could you hand off this year that would allow you more time for something meaningful?

That’s theirs, not mine. This is a useful phrase to keep handy throughout the day. Notice what you might be taking responsibility for that doesn’t belong to you. For example, a lady in the Costco parking lot gives you a dirty look, and you’re tempted to spend time thinking about what you did to upset her, Don’t! Allow the issue to be completely hers. Or, maybe your work bff is going through it, and their promotion seems out of reach. While you can certainly offer support, be careful not to absorb their dilemma (or emotions) as your own, which can lead to you having anxiety or overwhelm that shouldn’t be yours. Without disconnecting, make sure your stuff is actually yours.

Starting something new on January 1st can feel like a reset. Instead of “no bread” or “daily one hour meditations,” maybe this year it can be about a new way of thinking.