Now a few days into the new year, it’s time to reevaluate your new year’s resolution to see if it’s right for you, two local life coaches are encouraging this week.
Although they agree on that point, Andrea Osowsky and Charlene Cameron differ in their opinion on new year’s resolutions, with Osowsky of the belief that they’re not the way to go.
“Don’t waste your time on new year’s resolutions,” she said.
“We already judge ourselves so much. We worry about what we say, who we’re with, what we look like, what we’re doing, how much money we make, what people think of us, what we think of other people -- just the judgment in our lives is already so heavy.”
Instead of making a new year’s resolution for change, Osowsky encourages people to spend the year accepting and appreciating who they already are.
“What if we could spend that energy focused on what’s wrong with us, spend that on actually appreciating who we are and how far we’ve come and what else is possible for us,” she said.
Those who don’t subscribe to the anti-new year’s resolution opinion should reflect on their resolution to make sure it sticks, Cameron said.
Resolutions should come with clarity as to why one is making them, a specific plan and a means of holding yourself accountable, she clarified.
We already judge ourselves so much. We worry about what we say, who we’re with, what we look like, what we’re doing, how much money we make, what people think of us, what we think of other people -- just the judgment in our lives is already so heavy. - Andrea Osowsky, life coach
“Focus on small progress you’re making and don’t expect to be perfect in attaining your goals,” she said, noting that many people get discouraged early on and give up.
“Focus on small progress, because it’s the small progress over time that gets you to where you want to be. It’s still success, no matter how small it is.”
One means of holding one’s self accountable is to tell someone about your resolution and for them to check up on you.
“We’re often more likely to follow through on something if we let somebody else know what we’re doing,” Cameron said.
“Planning is really essential in keeping any goal for the long-term.”
Recognizing that many people will have already made their new year’s resolution, Osowsky encourages people to think long and hard about the resolution they’ve made.
“If there are things that you’re looking to change, ask yourself why they serve a purpose for you,” she said.
“Girls think they want to lose weight, but do they actually want to lose weight, or do they think that their boyfriends want them to lose weight?”
Change is much easier for those who truly want it for themselves, she said.
“Get honest with yourself … What do I actually want?”
