Do you make New Year resolutions? Does it feel like a waste of time when you do? Sometimes do you feel even worse about yourself after making the resolution?
You are not alone. I can tell you that most people feel that way. Then add on some of the traits of ADHD, dyslexia, and autism like lack of motivation, avoiding tactics, and high distractibility and you are really not alone in struggling to achieve a resolution.
I know a framework that builds achievable resolutions, and it is simple.
How to Make Really Simple and Easy Resolutions
The key to making successful resolutions is to keep them simple and easy. Here is my process.
- Start small. Don’t try to change your entire life overnight. Instead, focus on one or two small things you can change.
- You can think about and write down ALL the things you would like to change if you need to, then pick one. You can’t do all of it at once, so stop trying. Pick one.
- Use an AI tool to create a breakdown of all the steps to achieving the resolution.
Here is an example of what that can look like. Note that there are even estimated times on there.
- Use a checklist. This will help you track your progress and stay motivated.
It has been scientifically proven that people do better with a checklist at completing things. This is even more true for someone with a neurodiverse brain. - Reward yourself for all small steps forward. Small steps lead to big steps.
- Do a fist pump
- Do a little 10 sec dance
- Smile and think to yourself, “I did that.”
- Don’t beat yourself up if you slip up. Everyone makes mistakes. Just pick yourself up and keep going. So what if you missed a day, don’t miss the next time in the schedule.
- Be kind to yourself. This is the most important resolution of all and a bonus you can practice and attach to your resolution work.
Making simple and easy resolutions is a great way to make positive changes in your life. So, what are you waiting for? Get started today!
Additional Tips When They Feel Right: (doing these things increases your chances of reaching success sooner.)
- Write down your resolutions. This will add it to other places in your brain.
- Tell someone about your resolutions. This might help you stay accountable and what it really does is add it to another part of your brain.
- Find and work with a partner. This can be a great way to stay motivated, use body doubling, and keep on track. This connection to another human being is one of the most powerful motivators there is for many neurodiverse people.
- Don’t give up! It takes time to change habits. Just keep at it, and you will eventually reach your goals. Remember slow and steady wins the race.
Finally, I would like to encourage you to not be afraid to ask for help. If you are struggling to keep your resolutions, there are many resources available to help you. Coaches are one of those tools worth exploring.
Making resolutions is a great way to improve your life. By keeping them simple and easy, you will be more likely to achieve them. So, what are you waiting for? Get started today!
Happy New Year
JoyGenea Schumer
I would also like to add that it is important to be realistic about your resolutions. Don’t set yourself up for failure by making it too difficult.
It is also important to make sure that your resolutions are something that you truly want to achieve. If you are not passionate about your resolutions, you are less likely to stick to them.