Five things to consider before setting New Year’s resolutions

As the year draws to a close, many of us start thinking about the year ahead and what goals we would like to achieve. This is a great exercise, however if our mindset isn’t right, we could end up setting ourselves up for failure.

Before you start thinking about your resolutions for 2015, take a look at the following tips:

1. Have some quiet time

To help you decide exactly what it is you want to achieve in the next 12 months, you have to listen to your inner voice. This isn’t as easy as it sounds – especially over Christmas when many of us have a million things going through our heads. Try to take some time to be quiet; go for a walk or go away for a short break alone. Ask yourself what it is you really want and then listen for the answer.

2. Start a mind-body practice

Mind-body practices like meditation or yoga really help us connect to ourselves on a deeper level. Try mindfulness meditation to relax your body and clear your mind. The more in tune with yourself you are, the more likely you are to come up with the right goals for you.

3. Let go of your anger

Going into the New Year with resentment and anger will weigh down your efforts to change. Instead try to take this opportunity to let go of your anger and move on. You may find it helpful to speak to a professional about this or simply talk to whoever it is that’s causing you to be angry, forgiveness will benefit you far more than holding a grudge.

4. Be grateful for what you have

Being thankful for what you already have tends to open the door for more. Try keeping a gratitude journal and note down something you’re grateful for every day. Try to include the struggles too, but find something good about it rather than simply venting.

5. Practice self-compassion

When you set out to achieve your goals in the New Year, chances are you’ll have good days and bad days. Beating yourself up on those bad days will only make you feel worse and increase your chances of falling off the intention wagon all together. By practicing self-compassion now, you’ll set yourself up for being more compassionate to yourself.