Three resolutions worth keeping and starting right now, from Kat Cauchi.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of setting resolutions for ourselves that we will not achieve, sometimes because we have aimed too high, sometimes because it’s not important enough to stay on our radar and sometimes because we are just going for what we think should be done, e.g. “The post-Christmas diet starts now!” But that doesn’t mean we can’t set any resolutions for the New Year – in fact, why should we wait for a new year, new month, new week or even a new day to make a change? With that in mind, here are three resolutions worth keeping and worth starting right now.
Make your wellbeing a priority
Your wellbeing is important and should be treated as such. That’s why you should make it a priority. Sometimes you can spend so much time supporting everyone else’s wellbeing, whether it be friends, family, colleagues or pupils, that you don’t leave room to look after your own. Make the space and the time for it. Take time to do things for you, develop a good sleep routine, drink water, exercise, connect with loved ones, know when to say no – set your own boundaries to take care of your wellbeing.
Ask for what you need
Stop trying to take it all on yourself and ask for help. Be honest about what you need and know it is valid to ask for it. Asking for what you need is a strength, not a weakness. It shows you know your own self and you know what is needed, whether that is to improve at work, improve your wellbeing, get a better balanced work-home life – you are proactively getting into place what is needed to do this. Also don’t apologise for it either!
What are your New Year’s resolutions? Will you start any of the ones I mentioned here? Maybe you have already achieved these.
Stop apologising for being honest
I know this is one I am often guilty of. Why do I apologise when I am actually giving useful feedback? Why do I soften what I am saying if something actually needs to be called out? Why am I ‘sorry’ that I can do it better? Unfortunately, I think as a woman, these unnecessary “walking on eggshells” apologies are far more common. It reminds me of a quote from Amy Poehler, “It takes years as woman to unlearn what you have been taught to be sorry for.” She’s right, but we need to. Save the ‘sorry’ for when you have actually said or done something wrong.
If you make any resolutions, be sure to consider the impact on your time and your mind before you commit!
