The holidays are an exciting time. However, one thing people don’t typically look as forward to during the holiday season is the prospect of making more New Year’s resolutions. The reason is easy to understand. According to statistics, 80 percent of New Year’s resolutions are kaput by February.
You don’t have to fall into this statistic. With a bit more discipline, you can make sure that your resolutions actually stick. Below are four solutions that can help you keep your New Year’s resolutions.
Obviously, if your New Year’s resolutions are wholly unrealistic, you are extremely unlikely to stick to those resolutions in the first place. For example, sticking to a new diet will not be achievable if you don’t make some allowances for eating your favorite food. It may also be unrealistic to go to the gym every single day. You should know your own limits. Stick to goals that are actually achievable. Make sure whatever number you have on a resolution has a purpose and is realistic. Otherwise you set yourself up for failure. It’s better to accomplish a smaller goal first, than to fail a big plan.
Another thing you should do if you want to keep your New Year’s resolutions is to make a schedule. Just having the schedule will make it easier to stick to your promises to yourself. For example, if your goal is to apply to finally change your hair or finally straighten your teeth with Invisalign, you should schedule your visits regarding your dental work for 2019 in December. This way, you won’t put it off.
One reason why many people don’t stick to their New Year’s resolutions is because they never made a full faith effort to make keeping those resolutions part of their daily routine. However, if you can make sticking to your resolution something you simply do every day, it will become part of your normal behavior. You’ll then have less of a chance of falling off the wagon. If you want to exercise 30 minutes a day, for example, do so right after you wake up.
Lastly, you should make an effort to track your progress. Get some paper and write down each time you stuck to your resolution. While this may seem like a minor thing, it can have a big psychological effect. You’ll not want to stop the progress you have already made.
Not many people actually keep their New Year’s resolutions. However, if you set realistic goals, schedule your activities, make them part of your regular routine and track your progress, you can certainly increase your chances of success.
Anica is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she's used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here.