How to Actually Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

The start of a new year prompts all kinds of good intentions. We make resolutions to lose weight, exercise more, drink less, sleep better, and be an improved version of ourselves. Making resolutions is the easy part. Keeping them, however, is hard. In fact, a study conducted by researchers at the University of Scranton found that 23% of people quit working on their resolution just two weeks into the new year. And only 19% of resolution setters stuck to their goals over the long haul.

To help you beat the odds, follow the tips below to keep your new year’s resolutions on track. Our tips for new year’s resolutions can help turn your good intentions into positive habits, which is the secret to achieving long-term goals.

7 Tips for New Year’s Resolutions That Stick

1. Choose a Specific Goal

One reason many people fail to reach their goal is that it’s too vague. Just saying “I want to lose weight” isn’t helpful. Create measurable goals like “I’m going to lose five pounds in two months,” or “I’m going to walk for 30 minutes every morning,” or “I’ll cook three healthy recipes a week between January and March.”

2. Start with Small Steps

If you’ve got something to do that’s very difficult, don’t focus on the end goal. Break it down into pieces. It’s a matter of taking it one step at a time, something coaches call the process. You wouldn’t start out training for a marathon by running 26 miles. Run one mile and when that gets easy, run two miles. Small incremental changes make it easier.

3. Make it Personal

Your goal should be meaningful to you and set by you, not by someone else. If it doesn’t matter much to you, it’s going to be hard to find the motivation to change your behavior. Think about your goal and why it’s important to you. Is it both meaningful and personal? Reminding yourself why you are doing this activity can keep you going when times get tough.

4. Set Yourself Up for Success

It’s easy to feel motivated early on in the process. But after a week or two, your motivation will naturally wane. To prepare yourself for that dip in motivation, make bad habits inconvenient and good habits convenient. Store the cookies in a hard-to-reach place. Keep your workout gear packed and ready to go. Block times of the day to get work done. You’ll be more likely to do things that feel easy, even when your motivation declines.

5. Plan for Obstacles

There will always be temptations and obstacles that could derail you. It may be an invitation to dinner that could throw you off your diet. Or a special project at work that leaves you with fewer hours to devote to your goals. Consider how you’ll navigate these challenges. Make a plan. And don’t beat yourself up over the occasional slip. Just do your best each day and keep moving forward.

6. Give Yourself a Medal

Don’t wait until you’ve crossed the finish line of your first marathon or trimmed every unwanted ounce off your waistline. If you’ve succeeded in sticking to your routine for an entire week, reward yourself. Treat yourself to a cup of coffee and celebrate your hard work. Play your favorite tune each time you reach 5,000 steps. Encourage yourself to keep at it by pausing to acknowledge success as you tick off each step on the way to your goal.

7. Share Your Goals

Let a friend or family member know that you’re setting a goal and ask them to hold you accountable. It’s harder to give up on your goals when others know about them. You could also join a group that shares your goal. Having a support system can help you stay motivated. Camaraderie makes sticking to your resolution more fun, too.

Our New Year’s Resolution: Help Residents Enjoy a Fulfilling Lifestyle

At Sagewood, we’re committed to supporting each resident’s well-being. From personalized fitness programs and healthy dining choices to stimulating intellectual and cultural activities, Sagewood offers opportunities for a fulfilling lifestyle. Delivering 100% resident satisfaction is what keeps us motivated each and every day.