How to Stick to Your New Year’s Resolutions
December 28, 2021
The new year is often a time of reflection, where we consider the year behind us and what we want to see in the coming year. The excitement of the new year inspires many people to set new goals to try and make positive changes in their lives. However, surveys show fewer than 10% of people stick? to all their new year’s resolutions. What steps can you take to make sure you aren’t repeating your 2022 goals again in 2023?
Purposeful resolutions with an actionable plan help people stick to their goals. A small list of steps you can take to achieve your goals is better than a long list of vague platitudes like “get healthier” or “lose weight.” What do purposeful resolutions look like in practice?
First, plan your goals and document the steps to achieve them. Your goals should be specific, realistic and important to you. If you want to be more active in the new year, try setting a goal to talk to your doctor about ways to safely incorporate an exercise plan. Next, make a goal to research fitness options in your area. Writing down and checking off these smaller goals help you build momentum for success. It’s okay if the first step in each of your goals is research. Every step toward your goals counts!
Help turn your goals into habits by incorporating them into your routine. If you resolved to get more exercise, make a commitment to be more active during your regular schedule. Park further from your destination or get off the bus one stop early. Subscribe to a produce delivery service to get fresh, healthy vegetables delivered to your home if one of your goals is to eat more vegetables. Put all your unproductive mobile apps into one folder to help you focus on your meditation goals.
Another way to turn goals into habits is to be accountable to someone other than yourself. It’s easy to skip your morning yoga class if you are the only one who knows about it. Find a trusted friend, relative or coworker who has also set some goals, and talk to each other about your progress or setbacks. Having someone to check in on you can help you from falling back into old habits.
Reward yourself for sticking to your goals. If you want to quit smoking, consider paying yourself to do it. When you see growth in your “healthy lungs fund,” it will remind you of why you wanted to quit in the first place. You’ll build resolve and have more money for more rewarding hobbies. It’s a visual reminder of your progress that you can use to reward yourself.
Whatever goals you choose to set, having a framework for success can help you achieve a healthier and happier 2022.