Making New Year’s Resolutions is a tradition, but the truth is, most people who make New Year’s Resolutions fail to keep them. Every January, gyms see a spike in new memberships, but by midyear, most of those newbies have fallen off the bandwagon.
Statistics show that of the 45 percent of Americans make New Year’s Resolutions, only about eight percent of people will actually keep their resolution and achieve their goal.
Do you find it easy to make a New Year’s Resolution, but difficult to keep it? Why is that? It may be because you aren’t making resolutions that are practical and measurable, and putting plans into place to support your resolutions and help you achieve your goal.
If you’ve made a resolution to be more active, get fit, and live healthier this year, here are five tips to help you carry your resolution out through the end of the year and turn it into a lifestyle change to live a stronger, healthier you in 2016 and beyond.
Keep it simple. The first trick to making a New Year’s Resolution you can keep is to keep it simple. Your goal should be clear and specific. Don’t make too many resolutions. Instead, focus on one goal, such as “I will lift weights three times each week.”
Get into a routine. It takes about 21 days to create a habit. Plan out a daily routine to help you stay on track. If your resolution is to exercise more, think through your schedule and choose a time for your workouts that you can keep consistent day-to-day and week-to-week.
Find accountability. None of us can do it alone. Find a friend or family member you trust to help hold you to your resolution. Better yet, choose a friend who has a similar goal so you can hold each other accountable and kept the motivation going.
Track your progress. The best resolution is a measurable resolution. Use a calendar, journal, or app to track your progress and evaluate your accomplishments throughout the year.
Celebrate the milestones. A year is a long time, and if you don’t take time to appreciate the progress you make along the way, you’re likely become discouraged at some point on your journey. While your goal for the year may be to lose a certain amount of weight, take time to celebrate the small milestones along the way. Track your weight loss at the end of each week and be proud of your accomplishment in moving toward your goal.
It is possible to set a New Year’s Resolution and actually achieve it. Make SMART goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely. Find a buddy who will help keep you on track, and don’t forget to take time to celebrate your progress along the way.
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About the Author
Melody Foster is a Dallas-based freelance writer and contributing author to the Nicholson Clinic blog. Melody researches and creates content for clients in industries ranging from health care, fitness and nutrition to interior decorating, legal and social good.