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New Year’s resolutions embody a unique blend of cultural aspirations and personal growth. Whether it’s health, career advancement, or cultural reconnection, the challenge is universal: how to keep these resolutions alive?
As the New Year dawns, we’re all swept up in the promise of change, fueled by the excitement of setting resolutions. Yet, like a fleeting summer rain in the Sahara, many of these resolutions evaporate by February.
Here’s an in-depth guide on how to keep resolutions alive beyond January, with a focus on specificity, cultural integration, and community support.
1. Start Small and Be Specific
Let’s face it, “I want to get healthier” is too vague. Instead, define what health means to you. Perhaps it’s “I will eat fufu or ugali with vegetables twice a week instead of just meat” or “I’ll swim at my local community center three times a week, embracing the African love for water.” Small, specific goals are the bedrock for keeping resolutions alive.
2. Leverage Community Support
Community is a cornerstone in many African cultures. If you resolve to learn a new skill, connect with others who share similar goals. In London, you might join a group to learn Ewe drumming, or in New York, a club for practicing Pidgin English. 
For those aiming for financial independence, perhaps start or join a savings club similar to the Kenyan “Chama” – where members pool resources for mutual benefit. This communal effort is vital in how to keep resolutions alive.
3. Integrate Cultural Elements
Your cultural heritage can fuel your resolutions. If fitness is your aim, delve into traditional dances like the South African Indlamu or the Senegalese Sabar. For mental health, consider integrating meditation with African philosophies like Sankofa, which teaches from past experiences. This cultural fusion not only keeps resolutions alive but enriches them with meaning.
4. Set Clear Milestones
Instead of a daunting year-long goal, break it down. If you’re saving for a trip back to Nigeria, set monthly savings targets.
Maybe it’s saving 10% of your income each month or cutting down on one luxury expense. Celebrate each milestone – perhaps with a small cultural gathering or a treat like enjoying a special dish from back home. These celebrations keep the motivation alive.
5. Harness Technology Wisely
There’s an app for nearly every resolution. Use fitness trackers that remind you of traditional African steps or rhythms, or budgeting apps that mimic the savings discipline of your forebears.
But, use technology as a tool, not a crutch. Set reminders for your resolutions that align with cultural events or practices, like reminders to meditate during the new moon, which is significant in many African cultures.
6. Embrace Flexibility
Life as part of the diaspora can be unpredictable, with cultural obligations and new opportunities. If you miss a day on your resolution due to a community celebration or family commitment, don’t despair.
Adjust your plan. Maybe you’ll add an extra session the following week or choose a different activity that fits your schedule. Flexibility is key to keeping resolutions alive.
7. Document Your Journey
Keep a detailed journal or blog. Not only track your progress but also explore how your resolutions connect with your cultural identity. Are you learning more about your heritage through your goals? Documenting this journey can be motivational and educational.
8. Reward Yourself Culturally
Rewards should resonate with your background. If you’ve hit a savings goal, perhaps invest in traditional attire or an artifact from your culture. For those learning an African language, reward yourself with a trip or a book by an author from that language’s country. These rewards keep the cultural connection strong, essential in keeping resolutions alive.
9. Educate and Inspire
Share your journey with others in the diaspora through social media, community events, or workshops. Teaching others can reinforce your learning and commitment. It also fosters a community of individuals all interested in keeping resolutions alive.
10. Prioritize Mental Health
Resolutions should not be a source of stress. If you find them overwhelming, engage in traditional practices like storytelling or communal singing for stress relief, or seek advice from community elders. Your mental health is crucial in keeping resolutions alive.
Conclusion
Keeping resolutions alive beyond January involves weaving them into the fabric of your daily life, and respecting your cultural roots while adapting to new environments.
It’s about setting specific, achievable goals, leveraging community, and celebrating each step forward in a culturally rich way. Here’s to making this year one where your resolutions don’t just survive but thrive, keeping resolutions alive through all seasons.
