5 Tips for Making Your New Year's Resolutions Stick

Posted by Elizabeth Dowell on Monday, December 29, 2014
Elizabeth Dowell

 

Our 5 tips for setting and sticking to your New Year's Resolutions will help you start the year off right. Committing to any new lifestyle change isn't always easy. Challenges and missteps may be inevitable, but planning ahead and following these guidelines will keep you on your path to success!  

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1. Commitment 

Deciding on New Year's Resolutions is easy, committing to them is taking it one step further. Announcing your goals to everyone will help hold you accountable. Take ownership in each resolution. Ask yourself, "Do I really want this?" If someone else told you to do it or you think you should have certain resolutions, it will be much harder to commit. Go with what you really want and your commitment will be stronger from the start.

2. Be Realistic

A new year can lead to an abundance of excitement and inspiration for the year ahead. But don't let your enthusiasm lead to setting unrealistic resolutions. You are more likely to fall off track and leave yourself feeling disheartened or overwhelmed. Instead of aiming for the unattainable (I will go to the gym 7 days a week all year) or unhealthy (I will lose 30 pounds by Valentine's Day), shoot for a couple of attainable goals like cooking a healthy dinner at home 4 nights a week. Giving yourself enough time and resources to reach your goals, you will set yourself up for success! 

3. Write it Down 

Post your resolutions where you can re-read it daily like a post-it on your bathroom mirror or in your planner. Studies show that tracking your progress can also help you succeed like keeping a food diary of what you eat or logging your weight each week. A written track record will help uncover any unhealthy habits and keep you motivated to keep going. 

4. Get Others Involved

Research has shown that those who have support or a partner are the most successful at reaching their goals. When you make a commitment along with a friend or family member, you are more likely to stick with it. Vowed to cook healthy meals each week? Get your kids or spouse involved and make it fun for the whole family. Decided to lose some pounds with a friend? Share a personal trainer with exercise dates or plan on weekly walks outside. You are much more likely to show up and not miss when someone else is counting on you too! 

5. Reward Yourself

Rewards for reaching your goal, or mini goals along the way, can be great incentive. If your resolutions are health based, avoid rewarding yourself with food. You worked so hard eating home cooked healthy meals all week to potentially spoil progress on a weekend of pizza. How about a hot stone massage instead? If you plan to track your resolutions with smaller and attainable goals throughout the year (always a great idea!), reward yourself with a new workout outfit or sneakers to celebrate your success and keep you motivated.