There’s an age-old (but very wise) saying that goes: The journey of 10,000 miles begins with a single step. Think of typical New Year’s resolutions as that 10,000 mile expedition. Lofty, exciting, a big accomplishment if you could indeed accomplish it. But also…10,000 miles. Which is, like, a LOT of walking.
Micro resolutions, now, are like that single step. Totally doable. In fact you take a bunch of them before breakfast! So this year, instead of committing to giant (and often overwhelming) goals that seem to set you up for failure and disappointment, look for ways to break those big aspirations down into bite-size, mini goals. Micro moments. Single steps that are easy to tackle…and reward you with the feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment early and often.
As the clock counts down this New Year’s Eve, here are some mini goals you might want to test drive in the months ahead…
Instead of resolving to…exercise more
Try…commiting to parking farther away at the grocery store. Or taking the stairs instead of the escalator–at least for a couple of flights. (For starters, choose just one of these mini goals to keep them approachable.) Or even make plans to do a physical activity that you love—like riding your bike or going for a horseback ride. When you remind yourself that being active is fun, not just a sweaty slog, you’ll be more likely to make time for those activities again in the future.
Instead of resolving to…eat better
Try…eating a piece of fruit a day. Or at least two servings of vegetables. Or only eating dessert on the weekends. Again, break your big goal down into a bite-sized piece that won’t be hard for you to regularly check off and feel proud in doing so.
Instead of resolving to…start a meditation practice
Try…adding moments of mindfulness into your day. For example, when you walk the dog, skip the podcast and focus instead on your surroundings, listen to the birds. Same for when you’re driving somewhere. Just…drive instead of checking off all the calls you need to make. Aim to do that a handful of times in your week. We get into the habit of multitasking so often that it can feel like a peaceful break to just be where you are and do the one thing you’re doing.
Another idea: Commit to a simple practice every morning or evening, writing down three things you’re grateful for from the last 24 hours. The pretty flowers you saw on your walk. The amazing cup of coffee you had this morning. That your baby slept for a six-hour stretch. Centering on basic, finite moments of gratitude helps you recognize—and be boosted by—the many little bits of good in your day.
Instead of resolving to… give up drinking altogether
Try…not drinking two or three nights a week. Use those evenings to explore other beverages that might feel like the fun reward of a cocktail, minus the alcohol. There’s an ever-growing selection of imaginative mocktail mixes out there. Or you might make a spritzer with seltzer and juice. Or sample different kombuchas or teas.
Instead of resolving to…organize your kitchen (or the garage or the playroom)
Try…organizing one drawer. Or one shelf in the pantry. Or one cabinet. Pick a different drawer another month. Drawer by drawer and shelf by shelf and perhaps by the end of the year, you may find the whole room is done. (Or not. But at least you’ll have one beautifully-organized area that you can gaze on in moments of stress.)
Instead of resolving to…get off your phone and read more
Try…choosing one book you’d really like to get through. You can always pick another book when you’re done! And designate a handful of times in your week as no-phone blocks. Maybe it’s from 6 to 8 p.m. weekdays while your family makes and eats dinner. Or it’s 30 minutes on Sunday morning to jump start your non-screen creativity. Again, a finite amount of time is much easier to succeed at than an open-ended plain of wishful thinking. And even if you slip up from time to time, you’ll have a concrete place and way to try, try again.
Happy New Year and here’s to the single steps that…eventually, gracefully…get us where we want to go.
