Have a New Year resolution? Here’s how you can keep at it

With the new year comes a heap of resolutions. To help you stay on track this time, we ask inspiring personalities from different fields to break down how they tackle challenges

My Resolution: As a sportsperson I am physically fit as I train throughout the year and eat right. This year, to further enhance my physical and mental wellbeing I am adding yoga to my schedule, and plan to focus more on it. My workout schedule varies everyday. I do weight training twice a week, thrice a week I do wrestling matches, speed training... The duration of my training is usually two-and-a-half to three hours in the morning and evening. 

Do you want to get fitter this year? It is important to get some form of exercise for one’s overall wellbeing. For those wanting to get into fitness this year, maybe you can start slow with yoga or an early morning walk, or jog. And gradually graduate to running or a style of workout you enjoy.

Mental wellbeing is as important as being physically fit and active. Keep the mind calm, keep it free of negative thoughts. For me, when I get nervous before a big competition, I think of all the matches where I performed well and what I did right, and these things help me fight off anxiety. I listen to music and find it therapeutic. Family also plays a vital role. When I feel low, I talk to them. Conversations help, they help me feel positive. Sometimes, if I am distracted or depressed, I talk to a psychologist. 

To be more productive, I suggest people think of a goal and focus on ways to achieve it this year. Meditate on it, see how you are progressing and what else needs to be done, work towards the target, and ultimately achieve it. That gives a feeling of achievement which feels great.

My resolution: My physical goal for this year would be to enjoy the process of being physically active. To not have any expectations from my body but only to know and believe that like any other thing in life like investments or relationships, we need to make a long-term commitment to our health, to really reap its benefits. Some days are great because you have the time and mental space to fit in an activity; some others are not so great because you’re swamped with work and exhaustion. It’s okay to take a break and to understand your body’s requirements for rest. And I feel the best way to stay consistent is to really enjoy whatever activity you pick. 

It’s important to not feel guilty if I miss a work-out, to pat myself on the back even if I decide to just walk for half an hour because it’s so easy to choose not to do anything at all. Sometimes life happens and things don’t go as planned but to never get disheartened. and stick to your goals. To listen to your body and to have a disciplined mind.

Do you want to heal and grow? My mental goal would be to be more regular with therapy. I can’t emphasize enough on how important it is to talk to a professional on a regular basis. Most, if not all of our personalities are a result of some form of trauma and it’s important to acknowledge that and to heal and to grow in the right direction. Therapy means laying bare your soul and speaking uncomfortable truths, but it’s the only way to be at ease with oneself.