Why my January goals aren't as "big" as I'd like

When it comes to January changes, I quit formal "resolutions" a long time ago. I found myself not sticking to them, then feeling guilty and inadequate.

I do still take some time to reflect on the previous year, and think about what I might want less or more of. This year, I did this on a long New Year's Day walk with my husband, on a very chilly Walthamstow Wetlands.

I realised that when it comes to my health, I feel like I'm already "in progress" and on a good track. I want to continue with what I'm doing: trying to listen to my body as much as possible, eating and moving in ways that feel good, and keeping up with my physio exercises, to reduce my pain levels.

Don't get me wrong - there are things that I want to achieve. I’d love to start properly strength training (lifting actual weights!). I’ve already gained some strength over the last year, and it feels so good - even small wins like being able to lift the online supermarket order crates from the door to the kitchen.

I did consider setting goals around this, but after a reality check, now doesn’t feel like the right time. I’m still only just about managing my regular physio exercises, and work is busy. So for now, I’m focusing on building stability first, and I’ll add weight lifting later. It’s frustrating not to dive in straight away - but it’s also good motivation to keep going with my physio 💪🏻

So my theme for the next couple of months is "more of the same", in a way that feels good. The good news is, the "fresh start effect" which spikes our motivation in January, also applies to any new starts. "New Spring Resolutions" in March, anyone?!

 

Are you wanting to make some changes?

If you want support in making changes that last, I have a free 7-day email series that designed to support you. It's called "Resolutions, Reframed" - just 7 short emails, with a brief reflection prompt in each one. Sign up before the end of January to receive it:

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