Starting a list of New Year’s resolutions is easy; keeping them intact is the hard part. From wanting to lose weight to reading more, we want your new goals to become daily habits that you don’t think twice about doing. Whatever your resolution focuses on, try these tips to change bad habits and establish new routines!
Choose a specific goal.
Instead of placing “lose weight” or “get in shape” on your list, select more concrete goals, such as “lose 10 pounds” or “run in a marathon or 5K.” Choosing specific goals will help you plan more effectively and see the progress you’re achieving toward your goal.
Limit your resolutions.
While making a long list of items you want to work on may seem like a good idea at first, trying to accomplish all of those tasks may become daunting and force you to give up entirely. By sticking to a smaller list, you have a better chance at succeeding. Even achieving one small goal can boost your belief in yourself. The American Psychological Association (APA) also suggests focusing on just one behavior at a time is more likely to lead to long-term success.
Avoid repeating past failures.
The New Year’s resolutions you weren’t able to complete last year are probably on your list again this year. If that’s the case, take time to think about what went wrong; that way you don’t repeat the errors and mistakes of the past. Consider altering your resolution slightly to make it more feasible. By changing your approach, you will be more likely to see real results this year.
Keep a goal journal.
Writing down your goals will help you map how to achieve your ambitions and turn your vague resolution into defined targets that you can work toward. Detailing the steps to reach a certain goal provides you with a visual guide to your plan.
Be realistic.
The best way to not reach your goal is to make it unrealistic and unattainable. For example, vowing to never eat sugar again sets you up for failure. Instead, set a goal that is easier to reach, such as limiting your sugar intake and being mindful of your diet.
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