Six Steps to Help You Conquer Your New Year’s Resolutions

An estimated 41 percent of Americans make New Year’s resolutions every January. However, it’s likely that if you do make a resolution, you’re among the 48 percent who fail at conquering it. For many, their goals focus on losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you want to achieve your resolutions, set manageable goals that give you direction and then break them down into smaller steps.

For those of you who want to lose weight or be healthy, here are six things you can do:

1. Focus on food. How many meals do you eat a day? What are your snacking habits? Do you choose foods that fuel your body and contribute to your overall well-being? If you need help, schedule an appointment with a dietitian who can provide recipes, cooking class, wellness tips, snack ideas and more. You can also subscribe to services like Hello Fresh or Blue Apron that deliver food and recipes to your door to make healthy dinners, simply.
   
   
2. Schedule gym time. How many times a week or a month do you plan to work out? Determine what that number is and stick to it. However, be realistic. If you currently don’t work out, ease yourself back into routine so that you meet your goal. For an additional incentive, give yourself a reward for sticking to your routine: buy those new running shoes you’re eyeing, or treat yourself to a special night out.
   
   
3. Set an alarm to go to sleep. Part of a healthy lifestyle is getting an adequate amount of sleep, and research supports you should get between 7 and 9 hours each night. If you make sleep a priority, you’ll get adequate rest to stay healthy.
   
   
4. Use an app. Downloading an app allows you to keep track of the food you eat, the amount sleep you get and the amount of exercise you do. You will also be able to track progress, set reminders and connect with friends.
   
   
5. Get social. Research demonstrates that sharing your fitness goals on social media helps keep you accountable and receiving positive feedback helps keep you motivated.
   
   
6. Keep a goal journal. Writing down your goals and the steps you will take to achieve them provides a visual guide. Choose a planner like Commit 30 to keep you accountable. Planners like this can help you track your progress and increase your motivation for your health journey.