It’s that time of year again—time to set some New Year’s resolutions! Every year, we get a chance to make awesome plans and often end up breaking them within two weeks. That’s usually how it goes, right? We create big, ambitious goals but rarely stick to them. It’s fantastic to have high aspirations for the new year, but it’s also important to make those goals achievable. Here are some tips to help you stick to your New Year’s resolutions:
First, write down your resolutions and the reasons behind them. This may seem simple, but putting your goals on paper can be incredibly motivating. When you’re having a tough day and don’t feel like working towards your goals, looking at your written resolutions can provide an instant boost. They remind you what you’re striving for.
It’s great to have an overall ambitious goal, but consider setting smaller, more attainable sub-goals within a specific timeframe. For example, if your main goal is to lose 30 pounds, you could set sub-goals to lose 10 pounds by March, run a half marathon by July, and bench-press 225 pounds by October. Even though not all of these sub-goals are directly about losing 30 pounds, they help you work towards your final goal by serving as checkpoints. Plus, they’re a fun and engaging way to stay motivated.
Having someone to check in on your progress can significantly increase your chances of sticking with your resolutions. This could be a spouse, best friend, or anyone you trust to keep you accountable. Many of us need that extra push to finish what we start. A simple check-in once a week can make a big difference. For fitness goals, a workout partner can be especially motivating. You don’t want to let your partner down, and it’s harder to make excuses for skipping workouts when someone is counting on you.
Interestingly, keeping your goals to yourself might actually help you stick to them better. Some studies suggest that people who share their goals with many others are less likely to follow through. This is because talking about your goals can satisfy your sense of self-identity to a point where the hard work seems less critical or appealing.
Science has shown that when it comes to fitness goals, a multifaceted approach is the most effective way to stay on track. Try out a few of these tips and see if it makes sticking to your New Year’s resolutions easier this year.
For me, I’ll probably need to use all these tips! Happy New Year!