As the holiday season comes to a close and we usher in the new year, many people begin to reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the coming one. New Year’s resolutions can be a great way to set goals and make positive changes in your life, but they can also be difficult to follow through on. According to a study by the University of Scranton, only 8% of people actually achieve their New Year’s resolutions. So, how can you be part of that 8% and follow through on your resolutions? Here are some tips for making your resolutions a reality:
1. Be Specific
Instead of resolving to “eat healthier,” try resolving to “eat at least one serving of vegetables with every meal.” Specific resolutions are easier to track and measure, which can help you stay motivated. Instead of resolving to “exercise more,” try resolving to “exercise for at least 30 minutes, three times a week.” By setting specific, measurable goals, you’ll have a clear idea of what you need to do to achieve your resolution, and you’ll be able to track your progress along the way.
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2. Start Small
Don’t try to overhaul your entire life at once. Start with small, achievable goals that you can build on over time. This will help you build momentum and confidence, and you’ll be more likely to stick to your resolutions in the long run. For example, if your resolution is to “eat healthier,” start by adding one serving of vegetables to your meals each day. As you become more comfortable with this goal, you can gradually increase the number of servings or add other healthy eating habits, such as cutting out sugary drinks or increasing your intake of whole grains.
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3. Write It Down
Put your resolutions in writing and keep them somewhere visible, such as on your fridge or in your planner. Seeing them every day can help you stay focused and motivated. Consider creating a vision board or a bullet journal to help you track your progress and stay motivated. You could also create a habit tracker to help you keep track of your daily habits and make sure you’re on track to achieve your resolution.
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4. Make A Plan
Break your resolution down into smaller steps and create a plan for how you will achieve each step. This can make the goal feel more manageable and help you stay on track. For example, if your resolution is to “exercise more,” create a plan for when and where you will exercise each week. You could also make a list of exercises or workouts that you enjoy and mix things up to keep things interesting.
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If your resolution is to “exercise more,” create a plan for when and where you will exercise each week.
5. Get Support
Share your resolutions with friends and family and ask for their support. You can also join a support group or find an accountability partner to help keep you motivated. Having people to share your goals with and hold you accountable can make a big difference in your ability to follow through on your resolutions. Consider joining a gym or fitness class, or finding an online community of like-minded individuals who are working towards similar goals.
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6. Be Flexible
It’s okay if you don’t achieve your resolution exactly as you planned. Be flexible and adapt your plan as needed. The important thing is to keep working towards your goal. Don’t get discouraged if you have a setback or if things don’t go exactly as planned. Instead, use these experiences as opportunities to learn and grow.
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The important thing is to keep working towards your goal. Don’t get discouraged if you have a setback or if things don’t go exactly as planned.
7. Celebrate Your Successes
Remember to celebrate your small victories along the way. When you meet a milestone or achieve a goal, take the time to celebrate and reward yourself. This will help keep you motivated and remind you of all the progress you’ve made. Whether it’s treating yourself to a massage or a special meal, or simply taking a moment to reflect on your achievements, it’s important to recognise and appreciate your hard work.
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Following these tips may increase your chances of following through on your New Year’s resolutions and making positive changes in your life. So, as we usher in 2023, take the time to reflect on the past year and set goals for the new one. With grit, a little bit of planning, and a support system to help you stay on track, you might just nail your resolutions in 2023.