How To Make New Year’s Resolutions That Actually Stick
Starting the new year right with resolutions is a great way to set yourself up for success in the upcoming year. But with so many resolutions, it can be hard to decide where to start. Making resolutions is one thing, but actually sticking to them and making sure they achieve the desired outcome – that’s a whole other level. Here are some helpful tips on how to make your New Year’s resolutions stick this year:
1. Be realistic
It’s important to be realistic and reasonable when making your resolutions. Such as, if you recently joined the gym, don’t set a goal to bench press 200lbs in three months. Instead, consider a progressive approach that takes into account your current skills and abilities, such as aiming for the number of days per week that you attend the gym or increase the weight incrementally.
2. Break down the goal into smaller (achievable) chunks
It can be hard to stay motivated, when you see a big goal still miles away. Therefore, breaking it down into smaller, more manageable chunks will make it easier to focus on progressing towards them. When you reach a smaller, achievable milestone, be sure to recognize that and pat yourself on the back.
3. Set measurable and specific goals
One mistake people often make with New Year’s resolutions is that they include vague intentions, such as “eat healthier,” or “exercise more.” Instead, to ensure that you can measure your progress and be held accountable, you should make your goals as specific and measurable as possible, like “exercise for one hour, three times a week,” or “eat three servings of vegetables every day.”
4. Take small steps & stay consistent
It’s important to take small and consistent steps towards your goal, rather than trying to do everything all at once. The key is baby steps and staying consistent over time. Celebrate these small wins and use them as motivation to stay on course.
5. Have an accountability partner
It can be helpful to have an accountability partner who can cheer you on and hold you accountable if you start to slip. This can be a friend, family member, or a colleague, but having someone you can check-in with and stay motivated by is a great way to help ensure your resolutions stick.
Conclusion
The New Year is often a great time to start fresh and make resolutions. Handled the right way, your goal will have a better chance of becoming reality. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to setting and sticking to your resolutions for the new year.
