It’s all too easy to get sucked into the hype at this time of year. People convincing themselves (or letting themselves be convinced by other people) that this is the year they’re finally going to XXX. If they’re going to lose weight, they’re a perfect target audience for gym memberships and diet programs. Finally going to declutter? Yup – you can buy organizers for everything from your junk drawer to your tack room, and there are professional organizers who will help you get your clothes/books/knick-knacks/house in order (I wonder if I should start a tack room organizing business??).

But New Year’s resolutions can be a trap – yet another reason to beat ourselves up when, by January 14^th, we’ve fallen off whatever wagon it was we so bravely (and optimistcally) jumped onto January 1, when the New Year promised a bright new canvas shining with possibilities.

For those of us in the northern hemisphere who are affected by the shorter daylight hours, feeling down in the dumps and lacking motivation to do anything other than our best impression of a sloth, the New Year could come at a better time – like April, when the Earth is coming to life again. You want to see a life full of promise? Watch a foal sorting out his too-long legs as he gallops and bucks his way around his mama, then stops for a quick drink and a nap. That’s hope on 4 feet. Slogging through the mud to feed (in the dark, no less) after I get home from work – my only New Year’s resolution is to buy new waterproof boots since the ones I’m wearing seem to have sprung a rather impressive leak…

But, it’s the New Year. We’re supposed to dream and plan – so that’s what we do. This is the year we’ll finally tackle our anxiety to go ride out on the trail. This is the year we’ll take riding lessons, or get a (reputable, compassionate) trainer to help with our horse who pulls back when he’s tied. This is the year we’ll go to our first schooling show. This is the year…

And then comes New Year’s Day and we start the whole thing over again.

Dreams and plans are beautiful and wonderful things – if they’re acted on. If you have a history littered with broken promises to yourself (like I do), it’s tempting to give up before you even begin. After all – we’ve never succeeded before, so why should this time be different? It’s going to be different because YOU’RE going to be different.

Here are three tips to help you celebrate your successes all throughout the year, not face another December 31^st with the dissppointment of having failed…again.

1. Make sure you know your why, and align your resolutions with your overall desire for your Horsey Life. If you feel like you should brave a trail ride because your friends keep asking – that’s very different from wanting to go because you’ve always wanted to get out there with your horse. You’re ready to deal with any anxiety, you have breathing exercises to use if you start to feel nervous, you know your horse is a pro out on the trail – you want to do this for YOU, because it’s aligned with what your soul wants, not what your friends want.

2. If you’re tackling something that does make you anxious (but it’s aligned with your soul), learn techniques to manage the anxiety BEFORE you put your foot in the stirrup. Use breathing exercises, visualizations, EFT Tapping, meditation – whatever practice helps you become more comfortable – pursue that and you’ll drastically improve your chances of living (and loving) your dream.

3. Don’t go it alone. Think about it. If you decide you want to start walking a mile every morning, are you more likely to drag yourself out of bed if you’re going alone, or if you’ve committed to walk with a friend? Accountability is a beautiful thing! Share your resolution with a friend or in a group, and you can achieve your dreams together.

Bonus tip – don’t wait till January 1 to celebrate your accomplishments. Did you ride from the ring to the barn when you usually dismount in the ring and walk your horse back? Yay for you! That’s a step toward hitting the trails! Did you do some ground work with your horse or watch a clinic to help you understand why he panics when he’s tied, and how you can help him? Good for you! Celebrate Every. Single. Step. Remember – the journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step.

I’d love it if you share your resolutions (and tips for achieveing them!) in the comments! And in the meantime, here’s to a Happy, Healthy, Horsey New Year!