Check Progress on 2024 Commitments

You probably know that studies show most new year commitments don’t last much into February.

I think a big reason for that is that we often choose a commitment and then forget about it after a few days into January.

• Did I go to the gym a few times? Check.

• Did I eat a healthy lunch yesterday? Check.

• Is my attention turning to something else already…? CHECK!

That can happen when we get caught up in the excitement of a new year without focusing on the right mindset. 

It’s not difficult when you think of it like this:

• You’re more likely to stick with a commitment when you keep it top of mind. Apps on your smartphone can be great for this, like yellow post-it notes you carry everywhere. For example, if you started recording your food and water intake on January 1, it’s helped you pay attention to what you consume throughout the day. (And you’ve learned, I hope, that “pay attention” does NOT mean “judge harshly.”)

• You form new habits when you start small and attach them to existing habits. At the beginning, you want to make a logical, easy connection between a behavior you hope to adopt and one you already do without thinking. If you started January determined to practice yoga every day and started with five minutes after brushing your teeth, then by now, you don’t have to try so hard. 

• You stay focused when you consistently note your progress. If you’re trying to reach a goal weight, refer to the track record you’ve been keeping since the start of the year. That record would include things like your beginning weight, measurements, and a photo. Update these weekly and you can always see your TRUE progress – not how you might be feeling on a bad day.

So, think back about those new year’s commitments you made. If you wrote them in your journal, find that entry and read it again.

What have you done successfully? What will take a little more effort?

Acknowledge reaching mini-goals or milestones along the way.

Do you need to make any adjustments in a commitment? If so, remember it’s OK. We learn as we go!

It’s still so early in the year. I hope you’re excited by progress you’ve made and, most importantly, that you’re learning about yourself – what works and what doesn’t, what you like and what you can live without…

Your year – like your life – is yours to make of it what you want!