Share |

5 Proven Ways to Keep New Year’s Resolutions

By Lornie Kass

I am so ashamed of myself. Almost a quarter of the year passed by, and I keep almost none of my resolutions. In the heat of enthusiasm to usher something fresh and positive for the new year, I wrote out a long list of to-do resolutions – swear to stop swearing, eat healthier to eat less, less obsessed with my obsessions and stop procrastinating – only to find that my good intentions getting weaker day by day and fading away secretly in my mind.

Does this sound familiar to you? If you answered “YES”, you are far from alone. Research has repeatedly shown that most people don’t keep the resolutions they make for the new year. The reasons why New Year’s resolutions fail so often are many, including setting unrealistic targets and losing focus as we get busy with so many other stuff. However, with a little serious effort and some commitment, you can make the coming year more successful. Keep these simple yet powerful “stick-to-your-new-year-resolutions” tips in mind, and you are sure to have much better chance of attaining your goals.

How to Make New Year Resolutions and Keep it?

1. Do not try everything at once:

When you make a plan for your New Year's resolution, it is very tempting to run off a list of everything you have ever wanted to change. The truth is that you will have a better chance of one or two goals rather than an unrealistic twenty. Make the number of changes manageable and not too overwhelming that it zaps away your motivation. Being overly ambitious will not see good results.

2. Word it carefully:

Let’s assume your resolution is to reduce high levels of stress and boost your overall mental well-being by meditation. If you phrase it as, “This year I am going to mediate”, it puts you under pressure, as if you have to force yourself to meditate by sheer power.

But if you re-word it gently and say, “This year I am going to explore different ways of mediation”, it helps prepare your mind for what you are going to do while also suggesting a route to get things done.

3. Make a plan:

It’s equally important that you break your resolutions down. Taking the same example of meditation for the purpose of stress relief, you might devise a plan like this. Search online for different meditation techniques, pick one and try it for a month, and then try a new technique each month until you find one you like and most likely to stick to.

The idea is to break a goal into tiny steps so that they are achievable. Remember nothing big gets accomplished in one day.

4. Write it down:

Make a note of your resolutions and plans with reasonable target dates, and stick it on the refrigerator, your desk or anywhere you will see daily. By doing so, you will have a constant reminder and encourage yourself when you fail. The other advantage is, it will also allow other people around you see your resolutions and provide support.

5. Make your plan public:

If you plan to eat more healthy and get fitter, then find someone with the similar goal and buddy up to work on your resolutions together. Chances are, you will stick to your resolutions when there is actually a person looking over your shoulders.

Another thing you should not ignore is, always practice new behaviors that encourage success. For example if quitting smoking is your goal, you will greatly benefit if you limit your exposure to smoke-filled bars or establishments, and surround yourself with good, positive environments instead. On the same note, having a pantry full of chocolates and cookies isn’t going to do you any good if you are trying very hard to shed stubborn pounds and get in shape.

Life has a interesting way of throwing unexpected things at us. So, be flexible and not too hard on yourself if things don’t turn out the way you want. More often than not, it is the simple positive incremental successes that motivate you to stick to your new year resolutions. Rome was not built in a day.

5 Surefire Ways to Stay Motivated and Focused

Lack motivation to do anything? Read how you can feel powerfully motivated and focused, and achieve your dreams and goals in life.

10 Sneaky Ways to Fit Exercise into Your Day

Too busy and don't have time to exercise? Find fun ideas on how to sneak in incidental exercise throughout the day, at work or at home, and you'll be on your way to a more active and healthier lifestyle!

4 Powerful Ways to Get and Stay Motivated to Exercise Regularly

Can't get motivated to work out every day, or find yourself making excuses not to exercise all the time? We share some motivating ways to help you stick to your exercise routine and get you back on track quickly.

Are You an Impulse Shopper?

Guilty of spending money on frivolous stuff? Learn how to stop impulse spending and regain control over your personal finances.

10 Simple Ways to Make Yourself Save Money

Do you spend more than you earn? Learn to make a budget, start saving, reduce debt and make the most of what you have.