Using Mindfulness to Stick to New Year’s Resolutions

Mindfulness is more than a trendy world. It's an age-old practice that involves meditation 
and focus. Being mindful means you're fully engaged in the present. Although there are 
plenty of things in life that can distract you from your goals, by being mindful you will 
improve your odds of sticking to your resolutions. Here's how you can use mindfulness 
to stick to New Year's resolutions: 

Create a Plan

The first step to focusing on what you need to accomplish is defining what you need to 
accomplish. Create a plan on how you'll achieve your New Year's resolution, and then 
stick with that plan. You can do this by making a list or setting some milestones for the 
year. Once you complete your plan, you'll be ready for the next step which is executing 
your plan. 

Execute Your Plan

Depending on your goal, you may have daily tasks to stick with your resolution. Set 
yourself up for success by committing to completing these tasks each day. Make a to do 
list, and then focus on your mission. When you're working on a task, set aside all other 
distractions and worries. Your plan and your list will keep you on track. Trust yourself 
and your goals. Then stay in the moment.

Envision Yourself Completing Your Goal

Use daily meditation to keep yourself on track. Some people make vision boards, but 
meditation is a great way to stay focused. During your mediation, envision yourself 
achieving your goal. You can chant your goal out loud if that helps you. But any 
committed act that regularly reminds you of your goal will keep you focused on the 
prize.

Allow Yourself to Take Breaks

Mindfulness is all about staying in the present. If you're constantly thinking about your 
resolution and ignoring all else, it won't matter how mindful you are of your resolution. 
You will have missed out on a great deal of matters that require mindfulness each day. 
By using your plan as a guide, allow yourself to let go of the constant pressure of 
achieving your goals. Trust that your plan will be successful and stay in the moment. It 
doesn't matter if that moment is movie night with friends or a goal-related task. 

Open Yourself to Opportunity

By practicing mindfulness, you'll be ready and open to opportunities that come your 
way. You never know who or what may help you achieve your resolutions. So enter 
each experience with an open mind and an open heart. You'll be surprised how many 
new experiences may shape your year.

Your New Year's resolution may change as you maintain mindfulness. Remember that 
mindfulness itself can be a goal. Enjoy the journey.

