Wisdom Wednesday: Ringing in the Resolutions
I’m not a big fan of New Year’s Resolutions. It might be surprising, considering I love to set goals and crush them. But I think there’s some pressure associated with the word “resolution,” pressure to do things perfectly every day of the new year and to have progress to show by the next holiday season. I also am a firm believer that you don’t need a new calendar year to establish healthier habits – you can do that any time! That said, the new year is a great time to reflect and reset, and I love hearing what others hope to accomplish.
Maybe you have your sights set on running a personal best time or running a certain number of miles. Maybe you just hope to be more active this year. Whether you have set an official Resolution, thought about your intentions, or simply have some hopes for 2022, I’d like to offer some tips that might help you stay engaged with your goals.
- Be intentional with your goals. You may have heard of SMART goals before. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Bound – aspects that your goal should be. Your challenge should be within your means. What steps will you take to accomplish this goal? How will you know when it’s been achieved? These are some things to consider as you set (or revise) a goal for yourself.
- Consider a goal with tiers. This is something I have seen a lot of runners do when it comes to race goals, but it can be applied to anything. First, set your big goal. Then, set some backup goals that can still be considered a win. If goal A starts feeling a bit out of reach, you have goals B and C to fall back on. For example:
Goal A: In 2022, I will run 2022 miles and run an average of 6 days per week.
Goal B: In 2022, I will run an average of 6 out of 7 days per week.
Goal C: In 2022, I will exercise an average of 6 out of 7 days per week.
- Write down your goal. There is something about seeing it on paper. It makes it official. You can tape it to your mirror or stick it in your wallet, somewhere you will often see it and be reminded of what you are working toward.
- Find some accountability. If your partner, best friend, or family knows your goal, it can motivate you to stick with it. They also can check in with you to see how you’re doing. Let them know how they can help you be successful. You might even find someone with a similar goal, and you can encourage each other toward your pursuits.
- Acknowledge the hurdles. There will be obstacles. You hope for the best, but weather gets crummy, you get sick or injured, or life throws a curveball. It happens. Be kind to yourself and rest knowing you will pick back up when you can. View the obstacle as a detour instead of a derailment. If you need to, revisit your goal and modify it, but don’t give up. Your work is not wasted.
- Celebrate your progress, not just the end achievement. It can be exhausting working toward your goal, and sometimes it feels like there is no end in sight. It’s important to celebrate the small victories like having a great workout or getting to the gym all week. Think back to where you were. Maybe you are getting more sleep than you used to, are cooking more meals instead of eating out, or are more active with your kids. Reflecting on these successes can help you stay motivated.
- Have fun! The specific work towards your goal won’t always be fun, but the process can be.
I hope these tips help you as you begin 2022. As I write this, I am thinking about my intentions for the new year and what I’d like to accomplish. I hope to see you at Resolution Night and hear about your goals. I’ll be cheering you on!
Be well,
Katelyn
Each week for the next few months, I’ll be tackling a topic related to mental wellness and running. This content is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, including mental health.
