How to Keep Your New Year's Resolutions All Year Long

How to Keep Your New Year's Resolutions All Year Long

If your New Year's resolutions are already starting to fade, don't worry, you're not alone. Most of us begin the year with the best of intentions, but life (and for many, migraine) can quickly derail our plans.

Here’s how to stay on track without burning out, giving up, or falling into self-blame.

Why Do Resolutions Fail?

Resolutions often fail because they lack clarity, flexibility, and a supportive foundation.

How to address these common pitfalls?

1. Start with the Why
   Clearly define why your resolution matters to you. For example, if you aim to practice yoga in the coming year, consider why: Is it to feel calmer, reduce migraine symptoms, or increase physical activity? Keeping your “why” top of mind will fuel your motivation.

2. Ditch the All-or-Nothing Mindset
   Unrealistic goals like “I’ll do this every single day” can set you up for failure. Life is unpredictable, especially for those living with chronic conditions like migraine. Instead, embrace flexibility. Celebrate progress, even if it’s smaller or less frequent than planned.

3. Frame Resolutions with Self-Love
   Resolutions rooted in self-criticism, like “I need to lose weight because I hate my body,” are hard to sustain. Instead, reframe goals positively: “I want to care for my body and feel stronger.” This shift from punishment to empowerment makes a big difference.

Creative Alternatives to Traditional Resolutions

Resolutions don’t have to be rigid.

Consider these fresh approaches…

1. Set a Word of the Year
   Choose a word or theme to guide your decisions and actions. For instance, “community” or “growth” can help shape your priorities and focus for the year. Write it on a sticky note or keep it visible as a daily reminder.

2. Embrace a Sankalpa
   In yoga, a sankalpa is a positive statement that reflects your highest self. Phrases like “I am healing” or “I love my life” serve as affirmations, reminding you of your wholeness and potential. These can be especially powerful during meditation practices.

Practical Strategies for Sticking to Your Goals

1. Put It on the Calendar
   If it’s not scheduled, it’s easy to overlook. Whether it’s yoga classes, gym visits, or personal projects, identify realistic times that work with your routine.

2. Plan for Plan B
   Life happens. A sick child, a migraine attack, or unexpected meetings might derail your plans. Have a backup ready: a shorter practice, a lighter activity, or a rescheduled session. Flexibility ensures you stay consistent without stress.

3. Seek Support and Community
   Change is hard to tackle alone. A supportive community or coach can help you stay motivated, adjust goals when needed, and celebrate progress. Whether it’s a yoga group, wellness program, or accountability partner, having others by your side makes a difference.

Redefine Success

Resolutions are not rigid roadmaps, they’re guiding stars. If your path takes detours, that’s okay. Progress isn’t linear, and what matters most is your continued effort. You can always start over, whether it’s a new week, a new month, or simply a new day.

Join the Journey

If you want your new year’s resolutions to stick beyond January and truly make progress on your health goals, my Beyond Migraine coaching program is the fastest and most effective way to get there.  Our next cohort starts January 20, 2025.  Learn more about my revolutionary health coaching program just for women with migraine and headache disorders in this quick video and book a call to transform your migraine and your life.