It’s the new year and you know what that means? You guessed it… New Year’s resolutions. New Years and resolution go hand in hand. Everyone is thinking about how to improve themselves and how to be a better version of themselves. While this idea is well-intentioned, how successful are resolutions? The Forbes Health/One Poll survey found that the average New Year’s resolution lasts just 3-4 months into the year. I think we can do better than that!
To make the most out of the new year and help you achieve your goals, here are some words of wisdom from the greatest Stoic philosophers. By adopting a Stoic mindset, you are setting yourself up for future success not only with your New Year’s resolutions, but for life in general.
While carefully and thoughtfully declaring your resolutions, look to the quotes from The Stoicism Book of Quotes to inspire and motivate you throughout the brand new year.
“If you don’t have consistent goal in life, you can’t live it in a consistent way.” —Marcus Aurelius
Consistency is a driving force when it comes to successfully achieving your goals. Being consistent takes dedication, time, effort, and discipline. It’s actively choosing every day to take the needed steps toward achieving your goals. Setting clear goals helps direct our daily lives and helps us find purpose. The more consistent you are the easier it will be to stick with your New Year’s resolution.
Fun Fact: Writing down goals has been linked to better outcomes and more success.
“The first and greatest victory is to conquer yourself.” —Hierocles
This new year, remember, you are stronger than you think. Try not to give into unhealthy habits that will derail you on your journey to successfully reaching your goals. Practice self-discipline and be in control of your behaviors and thoughts. Focus on what is within your control while letting go of what is not. The first step in your 2024 journey begins with you!
Fun Fact: Self-discipline builds habits necessary for long-term achievement.
“Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.” —Aristotle
Make sure when you are setting your New Year’s resolution that it’s something you actually want to do. Your goals should be self-motivated and come from you. This intrinsic motivation will help you find the good and positives in even the toughest parts of fulfilling your goals. Your ability to find pleasure during the process will help keep you on track and make it easier for you to continue pressing on to the finish line.
Fun Fact: When you enjoy something, you are more likely to succeed.
“From this instant on, vow to stop disappointing yourself, separate yourself from the mob. Decide to be extraordinary and do what you need to do- now.” —Epictetus
Accomplishing your goals is very much linked to your mindset. Possessing a positive and optimistic thought process is a huge factor in being successful in your New Year’s resolution. How you think about a situation directly impacts your level of motivation. YOU have the power achieve your goals!
Fun Fact: Positive self-talk (especially when you refer to yourself in the 3rd person) can help increase your motivation, focus, and improves performance.
“What we achieve inwardly, will change outer reality.” —Plutarch
Your New Year’s resolution begins within you. The way in which you view yourself will change how you view situations and others. Bettering yourself on the inside will most definitely change your outside too. It’s about leading by example and changing yourself first.
Fun Fact: Change can have a ripple effect. Start with yourself first!
Kortney Yasenka, LCMHC, is a licensed clinical mental health counselor who provides individual, family, and group therapy, as well as life coaching services. She is certified in trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy and has experience working with veterans and active military personnel. She has a Masters in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Health Psychology from Northeastern University. With over 15 years of experience, Kortney has worked in community mental health, school systems, and private practice while specializing in mood disorders, school and work related issues, life transitions, and self-esteem. Kortney is the co-author of The Stoicism Book of Quotes and wrote the foreword to The Resilient Warrior.
