Chiara Atoyebi

Today is Wednesday, and as a mom who also works from home with her kids and a toddler learning to potty train—the days often roll into the night. The busyness of life alone is enough to swallow a person up whole. But, I’ve mastered a technique to share so that it doesn’t. Can you relate? This month, I felt it was essential to check in with myself and revisit the informal resolutions I made at the start of the year to see how I’m measuring up. If I’m being honest, I am doing well. Especially after identifying my vices and replacing them with my virtues in order to stay committed to my resolutions. Here is how you can too, even if you have a lot going on. 

We’re all familiar with the annual ritual of starting the new year with a fresh set of resolutions. For as long as I can remember, exercise has always been my number one. In January, it’s like a grand opening on the workout front. Swarms of people cramming the elliptical machines, boxing each other out in the weight room, and for positions in the mirror. After about 90 days, folks typically see some results, stop going, the excitement wears down, and we forget the work we put in to get us where we want to be. This year was different. I wanted to create better habits, manage my self-care, and see if an overall improved quality of life would make a difference. I believe it has.

As long as we are intentional with our self-discovery and endeavor to understand our unique pitfalls, we can set our minds in a high place and easily crush every goal we set. 

Making resolutions, and vowing to see them through, is a great way to reset and is an opportunity to do so with like-minded people. However, according to a poll conducted by CBS News only 29% of Americans made resolutions going into 2022. This statistic isn’t too much of a shock. Life is unpredictable, and it seems the best way to work it is one day at a time.

The pandemic showed us that what we need is more personal happiness, a greater sense of community, a better work-life balance, and work that is meaningful. When we can aptly identify what those things are for us, like negotiating a higher salary, losing twenty pounds, and spending more time with family. In doing so we develop patience and become more attuned to what comes naturally. (See the great resignation).

In order to see progress, it’s time to get focused on what makes you happy and ground yourself in that mission—and the opportunities will follow. Let’s examine a few strategies for success so that you don’t fall off the wagon for the remainder of the year. For me, this is achieved by knowing my vices and replacing them with some virtues. 

But first, what exactly is a resolution? I like to be pragmatic with my intentions so it’s best to know exactly what the word means. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines resolution as an act of determining. You must ask yourself what have you resolved to do and what are some deterrents? Below are some common ways we keep ourselves from achieving our goals. 

What is your why? 

A visualization coach may advise you to figure out your WHY? 

When I hear that, I quickly jot down things like, “I want to be healthy. I want to run around with my kids. I want to look like a whole snack when I show up at my husband’s office.” I’m also here to tell you that if you repeatedly falter, perhaps your isn’t as strong as you think, and you may need to keep digging. World heavyweight champion Mike Tyson says that “Discipline is doing what you hate to do, but nonetheless doing it like you love it.” Who better to speak to discipline that a prize fighter.

Finding your “why” is a tricky thing, and that is where discipline kicks in. Discipline goes hand in hand with commitment. If you can lay hold to these two things, you will begin to slowly separate yourself from the pack. 

“Discipline is doing what you hate to do, but

nonetheless doing it like you love it.”

— Mike Tyson

By examining your own psychology, you can end some of your self-sabotaging ways. You must be an expert in you.com. By understanding how our seemingly harmless vices can disrupt our commitments, we can slowly incorporate more virtuous behaviors and bring your life into balance.

Here is a list of virtues and vices:

If your April isn’t going quite as planned; no worries, it’s never too late to hop

back into the saddle. Now that you understand the vices vs. virtues model for commitment, I hope you feel encouraged in your discipline. I would love to hear what you have going on in the comments.