At the start of the year, as many of us do, I list out my resolutions. My list for 2017 looked something like this:
- Stop biting my nails (this has been at the top of my list since I got teeth and learnt what resolutions were!)
- Lose 10 pounds (HA! Gave up on this around day 3)
- Reduce screen time (May have done, but am not actively tracking…)
- Drink more water (Don’t think one glass a day counts as a success…)
- Read one book a month (I’ve read three so far… not doing so well!)
- Get up earlier (LOL)
- Start a blog (At least I can tick one off!)
Now, I learnt a long time ago that I probably won’t keep any of my resolutions. But I never worked out why I would fail so quickly.
Having done some reading, I have realised the trap I fall into every time. My goals are too wide, and there are too many of them. I cannot stick to ‘Drink more water’ for a whole year. More water than when? Yesterday? Last Monday? If I keep drinking more than I did the day before I’ll turn into a puddle. And how am I meant to keep track of all of the above things at any one time?!
Not only this, but why am I tricked into feeling like I can only make these resolutions on January 1st? Do I now have to wait another 12 months before making any further attempts to create better, healthier habits?
With this in mind, I’ve decided to make myself monthly resolutions. Like those ever popular 30 days challenges. The theory being that a habit is formed in two weeks and that 30 days isn’t too long to focus on one thing. Focus on one area of personal development for 1 month, if it works, great, I can continue it, as a habit not a focus. If it doesn’t, I’ve given it a try and can let it go.
I am currently undertaking my 30 days ‘No Poo’ regime and my new morning routine so those are my personal developments for this month.
Let’s see how we get one…
The Ad-Lib Mummy 