The View From Here – Motivation Monday Kick Off

Happy New Year!!!!  I am so excited to be back in a regular routine and actually know what day of the week it is.  It’s Monday, for those still wondering. (smile)

That period in time between Christmas and New Years is a real blur.  You have a holiday on a Wednesday, and it really messes with your brain.

So here we go.  Back to work, back to school, back to routine.  As much as I love days off and vacation, I really do love my routine and it feels good to be back.

And back with a bit of extra energy and excitement because New Years resolutions are in full effect.  There is just something about the new year.  That feeling of a fresh start, clean slate, and that “anything is possible” attitude.

The only problem is that usually by the end of the month, a lot of us fall back into old habits, and our resolutions are nothing but a memory.  How do we keep that fire going beyond January?  How do we really make this year our best year?

For all of you who are looking for a little motivation?  I am sharing a podcast I listened to on my way into work this morning.  It was just what I needed to hear so I thought I would share with you.

I am ready to have a great year.  Last year was a lot of change for me, and I’m still dealing with hormones and this wonderful perimenopause stage in life (yes, that was intended to be read with sarcasm – lol).  I let my healthy habits slide.  Lots of social media and binge watching and just tuning out from the world.

I want more for 2025.  I’m hoping we can do this together.  Motivation Monday, Tasty Tuesdays, Throwback Thursdays – we’re going to have some fun here in 2025 and I can’t wait to share it with you!

Reach out to me anytime — cbuchanan@blackburnmedia.ca

I searched the internet and asked the question “How do you stick to new year’s resolutions?”  and this is what I found.  Maybe it will help you too.

1. Set Clear and Achievable Goals
Be specific: Instead of “exercise more,” set a goal like “work out for 30 minutes, three times a week.”
Make it realistic: Choose goals that are attainable given your current lifestyle and resources.
Focus on one or two resolutions: This prevents overwhelm and increases your chances of success.

2. Break Goals into Smaller Steps
Divide your resolution into manageable chunks. For instance, if your goal is to read 24 books, aim for 2 books a month.
Celebrate small wins along the way to keep your motivation high.

3. Create a Plan
Schedule time for your goals. Treat them like appointments or deadlines.
Identify potential obstacles and think about how to overcome them.
Use tools like planners, apps, or habit trackers to monitor progress.

4. Build a Support System
Share your goals with friends or family who can encourage you and hold you accountable.
Join a group or community with similar goals for motivation and shared experiences.

5. Stay Flexible and Kind to Yourself
Understand that setbacks happen. If you miss a day or slip up, don’t give up—just get back on track. Adjust your plan if it’s not working, rather than abandoning the resolution altogether.

6. Use Positive Reinforcement
Reward yourself for meeting milestones. For example, treat yourself to something small after completing a week of your routine.
Keep reminding yourself of why this resolution matters to you.

7. Visualize Success
Imagine how achieving your resolution will improve your life. Visualization can strengthen your commitment.
Keep reminders in visible places (e.g., sticky notes, vision boards).

8. Track and Reflect
Regularly review your progress to see what’s working and what isn’t.
Reflect on how far you’ve come to stay motivated.

9. Embrace the Power of Habits
Make your resolution a habit by tying it to existing routines. For example, if you want to meditate, do it right after brushing your teeth.
Consistency is key; it’s better to do a little every day than to aim for perfection.

10. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Focus on improvement rather than flawless execution. Even partial success is better than none.

Categorised in: Afternoons

This post was written by Carrie Buchanan