How To Make Resolutions That Stick

Happy 2017! Over the past holiday season, I hope you took some time to relax, be with loved ones, and let loose a little. I know we certainly did! We’re back in Chicago after about 2 weeks in Michigan; our time was spent being with family and friends as every night there was a different gathering or celebration. It all felt like one big whirlwind complete with great conversations, catching up, playing with Gracie, and lots of food. Too much food. As much as I loved our time there, I’m so happy to be back in Chicago. There’s nothing like stepping back into normalcy, sleeping in your own bed (I literally squealed with joy when I crawled in), and getting back into the routine of it all.

The start of a fresh year is always so exciting. I love reflecting on the year behind me and thinking of the year ahead, taking note of all the things that have happened, and all that’s to come. There’s an unmistakable energy that comes with it all – a fresh start, the dawn of endless possibility, and plenty of plans in motion. 

The downfall of resolutions? They often don’t have staying power. You know the drill. It goes a little something like this:

1. You make your resolutions as the ball drops into January 1. You’ve got this.
2. Month 1: You’re killing it. Way to be!
3. Month 2: 60% of the time, resolutions are in effect every time. Fist bump for keeping it above average.
4. Month 3: You’ve fallen off the bandwagon, but that’s okay. Next month you’ll do better.
5. Month 4: Errr…What were they again? Don’t. Even. Remember. #Fail

Sound familiar? Great intentions at the start of it all, but a total lack of follow through when it comes to implementation. I know it all like the back of my hand, because I’ve done the dance for years. After all that, here’s the thing that I’ve learned about resolutions: If you’re having a hard time keeping them, it’s because they’re not great ones in the first place. That’s right, I said it. Your resolutions suck. But don’t worry, I’m here to help you turn that around.I’ll dive into this by first equating resolutions to business goals, because as a marketer that’s been on break for a few weeks, my brain is just dying to spew a few buzz words. Like a business goal, resolutions should be smart. Yes, in the literal sense, but also like the acronym. Here’s it broken down:

• S = Specific – “I will lose weight” is not specific. “I will to lose 15 pounds by June 2017” is. Make sure your resolutions are clear!
• M = Measurable – Always associate a number to your resolution. For example, one of mine is to spend one-on-one time with Gracie every day. That in and of itself is a bit hard to measure, though, since the interpretation can be arbitrary. So, instead of keeping it vague, I’ve associated a time allocation that I want to hit every day. My resolution has since turned into, “Spend a minimum of 20 minutes of uninterrupted, one-on-one time with Gracie every day.”
• A = Achievable – Listen, I’d love to be the next woman President, but we all know little ‘ol me isn’t going to do that anytime soon. Sky’s the limit, sure, but just make sure your resolutions are ones that aren’t setting you up for disappointment.
• R = Realistic – Beyonce doesn’t slay based off unicorns and rainbows. She hustles, and she does it by settling and meeting goals that are realistic. What do you need to do to make it happen? Break down your resolution by month, week and even day, and go make it happen.
• T = Timely – If your resolution takes too long to achieve, chances are you’ll probably forget about it. Break it into mini wins, laddering up to a big one by end of year, if it’s a long term goal of yours.

…And there you have it! The recipe for making resolutions that stick. Take a look at your current list and really think about if they’re smart. If they’re not all these things, dust yourself off and try again, my friend. With these in mind, 2017 + you = magic.What are my personal resolutions, you ask? Here’s my roundup. My focus for the year is all about being productive while simplifying life a little more.

• Spend a minimum of 20 minutes of uninterrupted, one-on-one time with Gracie every day.
• After the baby is born, run for at least 30 minutes, 3 days a week. Complete a half marathon by October 2017.
• Read at least one book every month.
• Spend a minimum of 5 hours a week writing for Isn’t That Charming.
• Travel to 3 places I’ve never been to before.
• Respond to texts and calls within an hour of receiving them.

What are your resolutions? Any tips for making, and keeping, them?

Psst – These photos were taken in front of the amazing Illuminated mural in Detroit while we were at home. All we had were our iPhones, so ignore any graininess, but how gorgeous is this wall?! I’m wearing blush Banana Republic pumps, tiered lace shirt from Anthropologie (Love that it works with my growing preggo belly), and a camel trench coat (Similar here & here).