Do you find yourself struggling to keep your New Year’s resolutions each year? Most of us do, but this year can be different! Try these 7 expert tips to finally reach your goals this year.
With the New Year just around the corner, everyone is thinking about the changes they’d like to make. Setting resolutions is the easy part, but keeping them is where things get tricky. The following 7 tips will help boost your chances of successfully sticking to your fitness resolution.
First off, it’s crucial to set resolutions that you can realistically achieve. If your goals seem impossible from the start, you’ll quickly get discouraged. Aim for something challenging yet within your reach.
Having someone to hold you accountable can also help. For example, losing weight is a common resolution but also one of the hardest to achieve and maintain. We often find excuses for not losing weight or not having time to exercise. Working out with a friend can make the process more enjoyable, but you still need to find the motivation within yourself to keep going.
Creating a solid, specific plan gives you more direction than a vague resolution. Instead of saying “exercise more,” you could plan to “work out on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 PM.” Scheduling specific times to work on your goals allows you to prepare and stay committed.
Breaking your big resolution into short-term goals can make a huge difference. It’s more effective to set small, manageable tasks you can work on daily or weekly. This keeps you focused and driven. For example, if your goal is to travel more, break it down into smaller tasks like researching destinations or saving a specific amount each month.
Remember, one slip doesn’t mean you have to give up. Change is a gradual process. If you make a mistake, just get back on track. If you find your resolution too restrictive, consider loosening it up. For instance, instead of “no sweets at all,” try “sweets only at special occasions.” This creates a more realistic and sustainable goal.
Technology can be your friend too. There are countless apps designed to help with New Year’s resolutions. Whether you want to save money, quit smoking, or increase productivity, there’s an app for that. Apps like Any.do or 30/30 can help you stay organized and track your progress.
Finally, don’t overwhelm yourself with too many big goals. Stick to one significant resolution to improve your chances of success. Carefully consider what each resolution will require and choose the most important one for you.
Realize that half of New Year’s resolutions are abandoned by the six-month mark. Having a realistic mindset and understanding why people fail can set you on the right path. With these tips, you can enter the New Year with confidence, knowing that you can successfully keep your resolutions. Believing in yourself is a great place to start.