“Every year I make New Year’s resolutions, but end up not seeing them through. What can I do to make sure I fulfill them this year?”
It’s that time again when people everywhere make lists of all of the resolutions they would like to accomplish during the coming year. It can be an exciting time and a fresh beginning to make changes in your life. Most New Year’s resolutions typically involve improving your health, whether it’s eating a healthier diet, exercising more, or quitting an unhealthy habit. Every resolution starts off with great intentions, so how do you keep from becoming part of the reported 88% of people that don’t follow through with them? Here are three helpful strategies that can group you into the 12% of New Year’s resolution success stories.
- Less is More.
Choose one or two personally important goals that you want to tackle in the upcoming year. If you load your plate with all the things you’d like to become better at or change for yourself, you might be setting yourself up for unrealistic expectations and failure. Some goals may complement each other, such as eating healthier and exercising or eating healthier and quitting smoking. Choosing a complementing goal may increase the success of the other, but it might be wise to implement one after you have a stronghold on the first goal. Build your first goal into a habit and don’t overwhelm yourself with trying to change everything at once. Goals and resolutions don’t have to be reserved for a start date of January 1st!
- Make a Game Plan.
It’s one thing to have a New Year’s resolution. It’s another to know how you are going to accomplish it. Deciding you want to eat healthier or start exercising is great, but lacks a game plan. Every coach wants to win the game, but they all have specific plans on HOW to win the game. By setting specific and measurable goals, such as consuming 1700 calories a day or exercising four times a week for 45 minutes, your game plan will be more easily executed and more likely to be followed. Be specific and have a way to measure your progress. There are a plethora of activity and food tracking apps that can help you stay in the game and conquer.
- Build Your Bench.
Telling others about your decisions and goals will give you a support network when and where you need it. If your significant other is aware that you have committed to consuming 1700 calories a day, they won’t tempt you by taking you to a restaurant that will test your willpower against succulent and calorically high food choices. Letting your co-workers know that you have decided to use your lunch hour for a walk to get in some extra steps will help keep you accountable. If you have decided to join a gym, find a workout buddy that will help ensure that you use your membership instead of just becoming a monetary donator. Support is important in achieving goals and making sure you are one of the 12% success stories.
