The new year seems like the perfect time to start something new, and creating New Year's Resolutions is a popular way to establish new routines and eliminate bad habits. Unfortunately, many of us end up breaking our resolutions before they can become permanent changes. This year we wanted to give you some tips to help those resolutions stick.
Tips For Keeping your New Year's Resolutions
1. BE REALISTIC
The surest way to fall short of your goal is to make your goal unattainable. For instance, resolving to NEVER eat your favorite food again is setting you up to fail. Instead, strive for an attainable goal, such as avoiding it more often than you do now.
2. PLAN AHEAD
Don’t make your resolution on New Year’s Eve. If you wait until the last minute, it will be based on your mindset that particular day.
3. OUTLINE YOUR PLAN
Decide how you will deal with the temptation to skip that exercise class or have that piece of cake. This could include calling on a friend for help, practicing positive thinking and self-talk, or reminding yourself how your “bad behavior” will affect your goal.
4. REWARD YOURSELF
This doesn’t mean that you can eat an entire box of chocolates if you resolve to eat a better diet. Instead, celebrate your success by treating yourself to something you enjoy that doesn’t contradict your resolution. If you have been sticking to your promise to eat better, for example, reward yourself with new fitness clothing or by going to a movie with a friend.
5. RECEIVE SUPPORT
Don’t keep your resolution a secret. Tell friends and family members who will be there to support your resolve to change yourself for the better or improve your health. The best-case scenario is to find a buddy who shares your New Year’s resolution and motivate each other.
6. KEEP TRYING
If you have run out of steam when it comes to keeping your resolution by mid-February, don’t despair. Start over again! Recommit yourself for 24 hours. You can do anything for 24 hours. The 24-hour increments will soon build on each other and, before you know it, you will be back on track.
Some of these tips may seem familiar, and maybe you've tried these in the past but remember that each new day brings a new opportunity to succeed. Make 2020 your year!
