New Year’s is the time when everyone makes some kind of resolution to improve their life. Unfortunately, it’s also become a running joke that most of these resolutions are abandoned by February, if not earlier. Here are three tips to increase your chances of sticking to your resolutions this year.
- Make your goal measurable. A general resolution to lose weight is much harder to keep than a more specific one to lose 10 pounds. Seeing progress toward your measurable goal is one of the things that will inspire you to keep going.
- Make your goal attainable. Life changes are hard to implement, so smart resolutions are ones that are realistic considering your current lifestyle. If you don’t work out at all right now, you probably shouldn’t try to start spending 2 hours a day in the gym — you simply won’t be able to sustain that pace for long. Instead, ease into your new goal, with the idea that you can build on your results. For example, aim to spend 30 minutes at the gym 3 days a week. Once you’re actually comfortable with doing that long term, you can increase the frequency from there.
- Share your resolutions with others. Better yet, get a partner. One of the best ways to ensure you’re committed to your goals is to let someone know what you’re planning. This helps to build accountability. Even better would be to find a buddy with whom you’re trying to meet your goal — you can help to support and motivate each other.
