Day 4: How To Keep Your New Year's Resolution

The start of a new year is the perfect time to turn a new page, which is probably why so many people make New Year's resolutions. The new year often feels like a fresh start and a great opportunity to change bad habits and establish new routines that will help you grow psychologically, emotionally, socially, physically, or intellectually. Of course, resolutions are much easier to make than to keep, and by the end of March, many of us have abandoned our resolve and settled back into our old patterns. Part of the problem may be that we don’t know how to keep New Year's resolutions, despite our good intentions. While this practice can sometimes lead people to bite off more than they can chew, going after resolutions can also present great opportunities to overcome struggles with willpower, determination, and ingenuity. Perceptions of the success of these resolutions vary. In one study, only around 12% of people who make New Year's resolutions, felt that they were successful in achieving their goals. Some of the most common resolutions include: • Losing weight • Sticking to a healthier diet • Exercising regularly • Making better financial choices • Quitting smoking • Spending more time with family While many people feel that they don't achieve their resolutions, one study showed that those who set New Year's resolutions were 10 times more likely to change their behavior than people who don't make these yearly goals. So how long do resolutions last? While most surveys suggest that the majority of people don't stick with their New Year's resolutions for long, a 2020 study found that 55% of participants considered themselves successful at sustaining resolutions after a year. In that study, researchers found that people were more successful at keeping approach-oriented goals (such as changing eating or sleeping habits), rather than avoidance-oriented ones (which are motivated by a desire to avoid something). Even if resolutions don't always last, that doesn't mean they aren't worth making. One survey conducted by YouGov found that people who planned to make New Year's resolutions were more optimistic about their future. So, what can you do to make it more likely that you will keep your next resolution? 1). Choose a Specific Goal. 2). Limit Your Resolutions. 3). Put Time Into Planning. 4). Start With Small Steps. 5). Avoid Repeating Past Failures. 6). Remember That Change Is a Process. 7). Get Support. 8). Renew Your Motivation. 9). Keep Working on Your Goals. 10). Keep a Resolution Journal. 11). Learn To Adapt. If you find that you need an Accountability Coach, please be sure to reach out to me via email: [email protected]