The New Year is a time for change, a new beginning for most of us. Yet every New Year usually comes with a price – that feeling of failure or defeat for not having accomplished our goals from the year gone by. Despite our good intentions, we often choose to revisit this sense of failure by setting unrealistic goals for the upcoming year. This year instead of succumbing to the pressure of making life-altering resolutions and committing ourselves to the possibility of failure, why not set some positive intentions that will help us achieve our goals. These 12 affirmations for the New Year will motivate you, inspire you, and change you for the better.
What is the difference between a resolution and an affirmation?
A resolution is like a pledge or promise, defined as ” a firm decision to do or not do something.” Although resolutions can be noble and justifiable intentions, they can also set unrealistic expectations, which often result in resentment, especially if we don’t keep our promises. An affirmation is essentially a positive statement, and in my opinion far more mentally healthy, and certainly more realistic than a resolution. Instead of feeling guilty as a result of unattainable resolutions, why not spend each day making positive intentions about yourself?
Making affirmations is easy. To get the most out of your practise;
- Focus on the things in your life that you want to improve.
- Choose affirmations that are focused and realistic.
- Always state your affirmations in the present tense.
- Keep your intentions short and sweet.
- Repeat affirmations daily, by saying them out loud or writing them down.
These 12 affirmations for the New Year will help you stay focused, less reluctant to change, and more accepting of what life brings to you, even its’ challenges. By repeating these you will be more inclined to focus on the positive in your life.
I think that making affirmations would be so much better than making resolutions. I don’t make resolutions anymore because I always break them and never finish one. I am focusing on guarantees this year.
Sounds like a great idea!
I love these affirmations! I usually don’t make resolutions but this year I set some realistic intentions that I think will be easy to keep and enrich my life in good ways. I love that all of these affirmations are doable. Thank you for posting such a great post!
Thank you Jen!
I am really looking forward to 2017 and what it has to offer. I usually set a series of goals for each part of my life (Finances, Self, Marriage, Relationship, Faith, etc), but this year snuck up on me and I haven’t done that yet. Thank you for sharing your affirmations!
I like how you choose specific goals for each aspect of your life!
I always look forward to the new year with great expectations, hoping to become a better version of me on the other end of it. I’ve never really done resolutions, mostly because those were always known to be something that you don’t keep.
These surely are encouraging words, Lisa! I’m very grateful for new years because it somehow forces us to look back, as we aim for goals to better ourselves. Surely the things you’ve written here are some of my goals too! All the best to us <3
I agree, although we should do it throughout the year as well!
Very thorough explanation of the difference between a resolution and an affirmation. I don’t usually make resolutions for the year. I prefer setting goals instead. Because to me, resolutions are more like promises and hopes vs actual goals to be met.
I have never been much of a New Years Resolution gal. Instead I usually set new year goals. Things that I know I can and should achieve to be a better me. This year, I am a complete slacker, this new year totally snuck up on me! lol I think fro 2017 I want to be a better ME! Focus on how I can improve.
I love affirmations instead of resolutions. I am not a fan of making resolutions but instead I make goals. Affirmations sounds even better. I love all of your motivational quotes! My favorite is begin and end each day with thankfulness.
Thanks Melissa! I love that one too…just a small reminder each morning to focus on the positive and be happy with what you have, and not what you don’t have!
I am 100% in agreement with you on this. I don’t do resolutions myself, I never have. I love all of your affirmations, by the way. I’m sharing this. So important for people to read!
Thanks Heather! And thanks for sharing! I really do believe that people should embrace this ideal 😉
What a great idea. I love that you say affirmations vs resolutions. All of these are very positive and doable. Happy New Year.
The most important thing is that they are doable! I haven’t made an actual resolution in YEARS!