How to Keep Your New Year’s Resolution
Wondering how to keep your New Year’s resolution? You’re not alone. People around the world make New Year’s resolutions each year, but most fall off the wagon within a month. Yet, year after year, almost half of the US makes a resolution for the upcoming year.
Having a New Year’s resolution may sound cliche, but studies have shown that having a resolution can make people up to 10 times more likely to meet a goal they have set. Whether your goal is to lose weight, run a 5K, eat healthier, or just to floss – we’re here with everything you need to know to make a resolution and stick to it.
Be Realistic
The New Year feels like a fresh slate and an opportunity to start clean. Realistically, however, it’s just another day! So make sure you don’t aim for goals that are unachievable, overly complex, or too ambitious. Choosing a goal that is unattainable sets you up for failure from the start.
A good rule of thumb is to make sure your resolution is built using the SMART standard. SMART goals are – specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound. If your New Year’s resolution follows those guidelines, you’re on your way to success.
Examples of SMART goals could include:
- Workout for 30 minutes 3-4 times per week
- Reduce calorie intake by 10%
- Brush & floss teeth twice per day, every day
- Learn how to play tennis by July
- Drink at least 8 cups of water every day
Choosing goals you can’t control, such as losing 15 pounds, can lead to feelings of failure, as you can’t actually control how much weight your body loses. By picking a goal that you control completely, you’re setting yourself up for success and feelings of accomplishment as you continue to meet your goal day-by-day.