Instead of Making Resolutions, Make a List of Your Successes and Fears

It’s that time of year again when everyone starts thinking about making promises to themselves that we’re supposed to keep for at least 365 days. That usually doesn’t go well. Instead of making a resolution, make these two lists.

Psychology Today argues that resolutions don’t work because they’re centered around the things we don’t like about ourselves or make us feel inadequate: lose weight, excercise more, quit smoking, and so on.

Begin with a list of times you were awesome instead to jump start the new year on a positive note. And then make a list of your fears so you can overcome the fear of change:

Why make a list of fears for new years? Before you even think about your goals you’ve got to confront your fears and understand how they hold you back. This confrontation starts with admitting to yourself what you’re afraid of, and then figuring out if the fear is rational, and how you can overcome.

Further, any hope of success requires that you’re open to change. It seems simple but this is the step that most people skip or avoid thinking about all together because change is terrifying. The known, even if it is miserable, is easier and even preferable for many than the uncertainty that comes with change.

Here are two list templates from the article you can use this week.

Forget New Year’s Resolutions | Psychology Today

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