The end of the year often feels like a whirlwind; a blur of festivities, get-togethers, and last-minute tasks before the clock strikes midnight on 31st December.Yet within the chaos, there’s an often-overlooked opportunity: December is actually the perfect time to start working on your New Year’s resolutions. Sounds strange, right? Why not hold off until January when everything seems fresh and new?
Here’s the thing: starting your resolutions ahead of time can make a huge difference
Imagine this: It’s 1st of January, and you’ve jotted down your goals—save more money, work out more, or learn a new skill. You’re pumped, and everything feels possible. But as the days roll on, life happens. The initial excitement fades, routines take over, and suddenly, by mid-January, your resolutions feel more like distant dreams. Sound familiar?
That’s where starting in December comes in. It’s a chance to ease into your goals, experiment with what works, and build momentum before the New Year’s hype begins. Let’s explore why this approach can set you up for long-term success and how to make it happen.
1. December: A Month of Reflection and Reset
December naturally invites introspection. As the year comes to a close, a lot of us naturally pause to think about the ups and downs of the past 12 months. What went well? What didn’t? By reflecting on your accomplishments, challenges, and areas for growth, you can better determine what truly matters as you look ahead Instead of scrambling to come up with resolutions on 1st January, consider December as an opportunity to thoughtfully craft your goals. Ask yourself:
- What habits or routines held me back this year?
- What successes can I build upon?
- What aspects of my life need the most attention, right now?
This period of self-reflection helps you set meaningful, realistic goals that actually align with your values. By the time January rolls around, you’ll already have a clear direction, and be ready to hit the ground running.
2. The Science of Habit Formation
Resolutions often involve forming new habits or eliminating old ones, but cultivating habits takes time. Studies show that it can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days to form a new habit, depending on its complexity. Waiting until January gives you little room for trial and error, while starting in December provides a head start.
How Habits Work
Habits are built through repetition in a consistent context. For instance:
- If you want to start exercising, commit to walking every morning at the same time.
- If you aim to save money, start with tracking your spending daily.
Starting early allows you to try out what works best for you, iron out any obstacles, and establish a routine before January begins.
3. Disrupting Old Patterns
Let’s be real: one of the biggest hurdles to achieving resolutions is overcoming ingrained habits. Consider this scenario: Every evening after dinner, you sink into the couch, browse through social media while snacking on dessert. If your goal, for example is to eat better, or cut back on screen time, you must change this environment. This pattern has to change.
How December Helps
December provides a low-pressure environment for trying out new habits. You can test out small changes like:
- Replacing your social media scrolling with a calming pastime, such as reading.
- Replacing dessert with a healthier option, such as fruit or herbal tea.
Failing in December feels less discouraging because the stakes aren’t as high. This makes it easier to keep tweaking your approach until you find what works. By the time the New Year rolls around, you’ll already have some momentum—and that makes all the difference.
4. Building Momentum
Starting early isn’t just about preparation; it’s about building momentum. Consistent, small actions in December can create a sense of accomplishment that drives you into the new year with confidence.
Start Small
Focus on manageable steps:
- Looking to get more exercise? Start with a 10-minute walk each day.
- Looking to tidy up your living space? Begin with a single drawer or shelf.
These small wins will boost your motivation, making it easier to tackle bigger goals in January.
5. Overcoming Holiday Challenges
The festive season can feel like the ultimate test of willpower —there are gatherings, indulgent meals, and endless distractions. It’s easy to see December as a bad time to start self-improvement. However, these challenges make December the perfect training ground for your resolutions.
Planning for Success
- Anticipate the Challenges: If you know holiday meals will be calorie-heavy, balance it out with lighter meals for the remainder of the day.
- Stay Adaptable: Accept that progress may not be perfect. What matters is developing consistency, not perfection – even if you stumble along the way.
By navigating these challenges in December, you’re setting yourself up for success when life throws curveballs later. Think of December as a trial run—by January, you’ll already be ahead of the game.
6. The Power of Early Wins
Achieving small successes in December can provide the motivation needed to stick with your resolutions. For example:
- Completing your first week of morning workouts feels rewarding – there’s a sense of accomplishment and sets a positive tone.
- Successfully tracking your spending during the holiday season builds confidence in your budgeting skills.
Celebrating these early wins reinforces your commitment and keeps you motivated.
7. Creating a Clear Action Plan
December is the perfect time to map out your goals and break them into actionable steps. A clear plan reduces overwhelm and improves your chances of success.
Steps to Create Your Plan
- Set SMART Goals: Ensure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound.
- Example: Instead of “save money,” aim for “save $100 per month.”
- Break Goals into Steps: Divide your goal into smaller tasks.
- Example: To save $100, start by reviewing your expenses and cutting back on non-essentials like takeout or subscription services.
- Track Progress: Use a journal or app to monitor how you’re doing. Seeing your progress builds momentum and keeps you motivated.
8. Accountability and Support
Sharing your goals with a trusted friend or family member can provide accountability and encouragement. Alternatively, consider joining a group or finding an accountability partner who shares similar goals. You can support each other, share progress, and celebrate wins together. It’s like having your own personal cheer squad—because everything’s more fun (and effective) when you’re not doing it alone!
9. A Fresh Perspective on Resolutions
Starting in December shifts your mindset. Instead of viewing resolutions as overwhelming transformations to be tackled all at once, you view them as a step-by-step journey.This perspective reduces pressure and makes goals feel more achievable.
10. The Gift of Time
Beginning ahead of time allows you to offer yourself more time. January usually seems like a race, as everyone is trying hard to stick to their resolutions. Starting in December allows you to pace yourself, creating sustainable habits that last well beyond the first month of the year. By focusing on progress rather than perfection, you set yourself up for steady, sustainable success.
Why Wait? Start Now!
December offers a unique opportunity to get a head start on your goals. By reflecting on the past year, setting intentional goals, and taking small, consistent steps, you can approach Januarywith confidence and momentum.
So why wait? Instead of holding off until the New Year, use December as your springboard to the life you want to create. It’s the perfect time to take that first step—because the best time to start is always now.
