Let’s call it like it is: this time of year can be refreshing and exciting, but it can also be daunting. If you’re looking to implement a ton of changes all at once, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, or even disappointed in yourself if you feel like you’re falling short of your own expectations. BUT, before you give up on your resolutions and decide to try again next year, read these tips on how to stick to your New Years resolutions:
FOCUS ON SMALL, INCREMENTAL PROGRESS
Big changes don’t happen overnight. Get rid of that “all or nothing” attitude and start focusing on small, incremental progress. Instead of calling it quits after indulging in a cheat meal or skipping a workout, try starting small. Start praising yourself for the little things, even if they feel too small to celebrate, and slowly build upon them until they develop into daily lifestyle habits. Soon enough, they will become second nature – but remember, you can’t just bulldoze your way there.
BE SPECIFIC
Please avoid any vague New Years resolutions, including (but not limited to) “losing weight,” “eating healthier,” or “getting in shape.” These goals are great to strive for, but without defining what these goals mean to you, you’ll never be able to achieve them. Instead, focus on creating specific, attainable goals. Let’s break it down.
If your resolution is to “eat healthier,” break down how you define eating healthier. Is it eating out less/making more home-cooked meals each week? Eating more servings of fruits and vegetables each week?
If your resolution is to “drink more water,” decide on a specific number of ounces per day. Check the volume of your water bottle and calculate how many times you need to fill it up each day to reach your daily water goal.
As you can see, the more specific you are, the more attainable your resolution will be. Additionally, by attaching a timeline to each resolution (this week I will, this month I will, etc.), you’ll be more likely to accomplish your goals faster – instead of waiting until Dec. 31 to look back and see that you missed your opportunity.
DON’T MAKE TOO MANY NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS
When you’re on the topic of making changes, it can be easy to feel like you want to burn it all to the ground and start from scratch. But, before you do that, remember what we said earlier about focusing on small, incremental changes. If you try to make everything a priority, nothing will truly be a priority and you’ll be left feeling unaccomplished and dissatisfied. So, take your list of resolutions and start consolidating. Decide which goals are the most important, and focus on those. One at a time.
FOSTER A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT
This one goes for yourself and those in your circle. If there’s a day you fall short or miss the mark, don’t feed into the negative energy. If you have a friend or family member that is quick to criticize your goal or your progress, change the topic of conversation and avoid discussing it with this person again. Protect your peace. Don’t allow anyone other than yourself to have influence over your personal growth. Be patient with yourself and appreciate your progress. You’re trying, and that’s enough.
STAY MOTIVATED & STICK TO YOUR NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS
This one can be hard. It’s the reason gym attendance skyrockets each January and dies down come February. But don’t worry, we have a simple solution. We recommend regularly reviewing your resolutions and your progress. Make a note on your phone and reread your goals each day when you wake up or each day before you go to bed. This will keep your resolutions top of mind and present.
We hope these 5 tips help you to stick to your New Years resolutions… you got this!
