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New Year resolutions can be annoying. While it’s important to have goals, real life can kick in right before you stick the last Post-It up on your “vision board.” Proclamations about who you’re going to be and what you’re going to do might grow stale if you don’t put things into smaller perspective.
Your bills are through the roof?
A love interest is acting trash?
You’re struggling with mental health issues?
Those New Year’s resolutions can go right out the window when these things come into play. So I’ve provided some tips that could help reignite your resolution engine if mid-January already has you done.
Hit the next pages to find out what the issues might be for you and some tips to resolve them.
1. You’re speaking things into existence, but not putting in the moves
“Faith without works is dead” is a famous quote for a reason. Some people speak their dreams into the universe via a New Year resolution, prayer, or even an epic post on social media. But as months go by, it might seem you’re not getting closer to your goal.
Many people would say it’s because you’re not putting in the work. But let’s be honest, the thought of work is exhausting, especially if you already have a lot of other stuff to manage (family, kids, a “work” job that you hate but is necessary for paying bills).
I prefer the words “put in the moves.” Breaking down your goals into tiny moves or steps might make the “work” seem less overwhelming, and then you can steadily move closer to your goal. Got a savings goal? Start off by saving a dollar a day. Want a new job? Apply for a position once a week, then slowly increase your applications as you get in the flow. You got this.
2. You’re not putting yourself out there
In most cases, you need other people to get your dreams on and poppin’ — some jobs don’t fall out the Craigslist sky. You have to build a network for yourself so that that someone in your circle can think of how awesome your are when they come across a job opening.
Love also isn’t falling from the Tinder heavens. You might need to make that trip to the bar every once in a while, or join a group that shares your interests to meet future bae.
3. You have major anxiety issues
It can be really frustrating when people are like “just do it” or “take that leap of faith” when you have major anxiety issues.
Things such as social anxiety disorder, panic disorders, and obsessive compulsive disorder are just a few conditions related to anxiety that might need specific or professional treatment.
If you think you might have anxiety, do your research and try to find professional help. Look into your health insurance and find out if you can get treatment for free or for a low price. If you don’t have health insurance, still do your research, seek out support groups and find out if there are ways someone else can fund your treatment. You’re not alone in this and learning how to manage anxiety could get you that much closer to your New Year goals.
4. You’re negative
This is also a tricky issue to manage.
If you have the mental wherewithal, you might just need a “turn the negative into a positive” speech and you’ll be back on track with your New Year resolution! However, depression is no joke and turning the negative into a positive can require more for some people.
In this instance, I suggest the same advice for anxiety issues. Do your research, seek professional help, find support groups or be aware of urgent hotlines if things get really bad. Again, you’re not the only one, and there’s support out there.
5. You’re not changing your environment
Sometimes you just have to leave.
Peace out.
I’m gone.
Deuces.
If you find yourself surrounded by the same B.S. from people who don’t support you, or cheer you on for your professional and personal life… it’s time to dip and find a new location or some new frienz (see bullet point #2).
6. “The Man” is keeping you down
When it comes to New Year resolutions, a lot of people put the onus on themselves. Marginalized groups are especially taught to pull themselves up by their boot straps and get to cracking.
But sometimes “the man” really is the issue.
The man could be the government, oppressive corporations or your oppressive boss.
In this instance, your New Year resolution might be to fight the power! Join an organization or group dedicated to your struggle. Find a way to get involved with your peers if a certain law, provision or work issue is keeping you from your dreams. And most importantly, continue to do that soul searching on what you want for yourself and your community, so that everyone’s positive resolutions can be on and poppin’.
