5 Ways to Make Sure Your New Year’s Resolution Sticks
With the New Year come New Year’s resolutions. Some are easier to stick with than others. That said, how many of us REALLY stick with our resolutions all year? Chances are not many of us do. Do you want 2013 to be different? Check out our tips to keep your resolution on track.
Be Realistic
We all are busy—that’s a fact. Whether you are a stay-at-home mom, single, or anything in between chances are your time is limited. When deciding on a resolution make sure it’s realistic. Can you really commit to going to the gym 6 days a week? Instead, be realistic and take a step back and ask yourself, “can I really do this long-term?” If the answer is no, then scale your goal back. Maybe it’s going to the gym 3-4 times a week. Keeping a daily journal to keep track of your progress is another great idea.
Know How You’ll Get There
Weight loss is a very common resolution, so we’ll stick with that example. If you want to lose 50 pounds this year, how are you going to do it? You can’t just say it and it will happen (how cool would that be though?). Instead make short-term goals to reach your bigger one. How many pounds a month do you have to lose to reach 50? Knowing you have to lose around four pounds a month to reach your goal can help you do it. Losing four pounds a month sounds much more realistic than just this nebulous goal of 50.
Count on Set Backs
There are going to be bumps in the road—and that’s ok. Maybe you just can’t resist the delicious cake at your Aunt Sally’s party—I mean it just looked so good! Don’t beat yourself over it. Just make sure you take the necessary steps to keep up with your goals for the long term. Resolutions are a marathon, not a sprint.
Have a Support System
Whether it is losing weight, getting a promotion, or finding a hobby make sure you have a support system in place. According to a recent study, 88 percent of those who set a New Year resolution fail. Frank Ra, the author of A course in Happiness says, “Resolutions are more sustainable when shared, both in terms of with whom you share the benefits of your resolution, and with whom you share the path of maintaining your resolution. Peer-support makes a difference in success rate with new year’s resolutions.”
Reward Yourself
Remember to celebrate the little victories along the way. Sometimes we can get caught up on all of the things we haven’t done. Three-hundred and sixty-five days go by fast, but at times can seem like the year is inching by. Do you love going out to eat? Instead, get a great cook book and eat delicious food that is healthy.
No matter if your resolution is to lose weight, save more money, or make new friends remember you can do it. What is your New Year’s resolution? Let us know in the comments below.
Image Credit: NewsMaxHealth
