Resolution Resolve: How to Keep a New Year’s Resolution
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2022 is almost here and people around the world are facing the same question: What will my New Year’s Resolution be?
This is a tough question. Even harder, sticking to that goal you set at the beginning of the year. One study finds only around 12% of the people who make a resolution actually follow through to reach their goal(s). In fact, another study found most people will give up their resolution by mid-January. But it’s not the resolution that’s the problem, it’s the way people try to achieve their goal.
Many people vow to eat healthier, exercise, read more, or, our personal favorite, get to know themselves better in the bedroom. These are all great goals! But how do you stick with it and become part of the 12% that actually reach that goal? Here are a few tips that can keep you on track to have a resolution achieving 2022.
Be Specific
If your goal is to “get healthy,” that may be a resolution that only lasts during January. Make a specific goal, like lose 20 pounds or run a marathon, and then come up with the steps to do that. You aren’t going to be able to run that marathon without training. Start with downloading an app that has a training plan or join a running group. Having written down steps to accomplish a goal will make it more feasible to reach that goal.
Limit yourself
You may have a lot of things you want to do in the New Year, but it doesn’t all have to happen at once. If your list looks like this:
- eat more salads
- talk to parents once a week
- give up alcohol
- get a dog
- spend more time with significant other
- buy a house
You may be giving yourself way too much to do. Start the year with the one resolution you really care about. Then, if you accomplish it, you can add more.
Get support
Humans are social creatures, which is why you’re more likely to be successful if you have a support system in place to help you reach your goal. For example, if you want to lose weight, a study found you’re eight times more likely to drop five percent of your body weight if you’re doing it with a support group. Thanks to the Internet, there are plenty of groups out there that can give you the support you need.
Stay Motivated
After getting back into the swing of things in January, and without the constant buzz of Christmas cookies, feasts, and festivities, it can be easy to give up. That’s why you should start a journal to track your progress. Write how you feel and how much progress you’ve made and focus on that. Look back on the plan you had when you first started 2022 and use that as motivation.
If you stumble, get back up
Resolutions are great at the beginning of the year when your goals are still fresh and you haven’t had any roadblocks, but it can get harder as the year drags on. Don’t let one small problem keep you down. You’re likely going to have muscle aches if your resolution is to work out. That’s normal! Do some stretching, treat your pain, and, when you feel ready, get back into working out. Reach out to your support group to get the energy and motivation to get back on that horse!
Sure, we’re all going to face setbacks this year, but you are the person who can face those issues and reach your goals. This is the year you’re going to be one of the 12% who reaches their goal. You’ve got this. Happy 2022!