2020 Resolutions Go off Course? Don’t Wait Until 2021 to Make Them Happen

By Nadya Alibhai, D.O., M.P.H.

Circumstances have put a wrench in a lot of our plans this year, including our 2020 New Year’s resolutions. Lockdowns crushed our intentions to travel more. Stress eating due to pandemic and financial worries quashed our goal to lose weight.

If you’re one of the many who started the year determined to make your resolutions happen only to have them disrupted by everything 2020 has presented to us, don’t give up yet. There’s no reason you can’t start to get back on track now.

Reasons to Restart Your Resolutions

• Feel accomplished. If the year has left you feeling less than productive, you’re not alone. Many people have dealt with job loss, juggling work and home schooling, financial issues, and other hardships, all of which cause stress, fatigue and even hopelessness. Spending the last month of 2020 working on one of your resolutions (or even coming up with a new one) can give you just the confidence boost you need.
• End the year on a high note. A lot of us are just waiting for the year to end so we can see if 2021 will be any better. Instead of ending the year down and daunted, picking up where you left off on your resolutions can help put a positive spin on 2020.
• Get a head start on next year. By getting started with your 2020 resolutions now, you can start out 2021 ahead of the game. Instead of feeling discouraged once February or March comes along because you haven’t yet started on your New Year’s resolutions, you’ll feel accomplished for coming so far since the end of last year!

Tricks to Get Back on Track

• Determine your “why.” Do you want to lose weight to have more energy to play with your kids? Do you want to eat healthier to teach your kids good habits? When you have a strong motivation to reach a goal, you’re more likely to stick to whatever it is you need to do to get there.
• Break up your resolution into realistic goals. It’s much easier to see your resolution through if you approach it in steps or small pieces. Too often we take on something too big to handle all at once and just give up. Write out your goals and doable daily, weekly, or monthly action plans to achieve them.
• Give yourself incentives. If you reward yourself every time you achieve one of your small goals, you’ll be more likely to reach your ultimate target. If you want to lose 30 pounds, reward yourself with a little something every time you lose 5 pounds or 10 pounds. Then set a big reward for when you get to the finish line.

Resolve to finish 2020 off strong by overcoming all of this year’s challenges and reaching your goals!