5 Tips for Setting and Keeping New Year’s Resolutions
December 30, 2024
I’ve always said I don’t believe in New Year’s Resolutions. Wait! Don’t leave me-its not going to be one of those clickbait articles that tell you something opposite. I simply say I don’t believe in them because I think you can plan change at any time of your life – not just the new year.
Yet, I was very curious to see what advice science has to give to helping an individual keep their resolutions. I don’t mean to get too technical about it but only 16% of people actually stick with their resolutions until the end of the year. Based on the mini research I did, I’m going to tell you the 5 tips that resonated with me to aid this journey of self-empowerment we are on!
1. Choose your resolutions wisely
What do you truly want to accomplish this year? Think about what you truly want, not what you should want. It also means try to avoid a BIG goal that will make you feel overwhelmed and try to avoid a small goal that will make you feel bored. In the danger of reminding you of goldilocks, one that is just right 😉 Make sure it is something that resonates with you and your “why.” In other words, think about what you want to accomplish and think of why you want to accomplish it. What is the outcome of this resolution, how does it take you closer to the person you want to be? More often than not, these answers aid you in finding your way to planning how to put your resolve into practice and helps you connect emotionally with your resolution so that you can plan or adjust when obstacles get in the way.
2. Set very specific goals
Now this may seem like a simple one, but I really like it because it is simple to do and it helps you zone in on a super crucial step-planning. How can you make your goal more specific? Let’s take a super common one, “Exercise more,” this can be turned into “Exercise 30 minutes 5 days a week,” it is a straight up, clear measurable goal.
3. Plan for your resolutions
Oof this is my second favorite! Plan for success, think about how you are going to implement your resolution. How will you exercise for 30 minutes 5 days a week? This part is the fun part- will you go to a gym after work or go on a walk before? Are you going to hire a personal trainer once a week to give you ideas or a plan for the rest of the days? It also helps to identify what obstacles could arise and how you can navigate them. For example, if you didn’t get to work out at your regular scheduled time. What form of exercise is actually doable for you? Can you stop at a park for 30 minutes and walk at a brisk pace?
4. Set up a tracking system
Also a golden idea that is super easy to underestimate. We all know the classic reasons why we didn’t stick to our resolutions, not enough time, too tired or too overwhelmed. Having a way to check in with yourself, whichever way you prefer [checklist, calendar, agenda] and however often [daily or weekly] is essential to turning the times you “failed” into learning opportunities. It helps your self-accountability. For example, why did I exercise 30 minutes twice this week instead of 5 times? Could some things have been moved to later? Did you stay up watching something and therefore didn’t wake up early enough (guilty! Hehe we have all been there) Remember you aren’t checking in with yourself to verbally punish yourself. It’s a data point, that is giving you awareness on where you can improve and also how far you have come! Any way you wanna slice it, keeping track on what you are accomplishing and are not accomplishing is a great idea to help you stay focused.
5. Pick an accountability partner
Finally, my personal favorite! Find someone who will help you stay on track with your resolutions/goals. On the days where you need encouragement on a particularly hard day that person will help remind you of what you have accomplished. On the days that you need an extra push to commit to your goals, having that mental note and compromise is a great incentive. Most people will think twice if they have someone waiting for them to get that workout in. Not only does it help you it also creates opportunity to connect with company you enjoy, and it helps them as well. Remember to pick someone that doesn’t sap your energy or makes you feel uneasy sharing. You want to pick someone that you know can encourage you when times get rough and will push you on the days you need to.
That’s all folks! I am actually going to take my own advice and adapt my resolutions to what I just learned as well, – gotta give myself a timeline to finish each of the online courses I am interested in 😉 Thank you so much for reading! What are some of your resolutions? Don’t forget to share this blog with anyone you think might find it helpful!
Xoxo –Gossi… I mean, Tayde