This is the year to make your New Year’s resolutions stick
How often have you tried making a New Year’s resolution only to have it slide off your list not long after it starts? You’re not the only one. In fact, according to U.S. News & World Report, 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail (February is when most lose their zest). To be honest, I’m not an advocate of New Year’s resolutions. There is no wrong time to change habits intended to better yourself; self-improvement doesn’t need to align with this one calendar date. However, if New Year’s is the time you like to pour into resolutions, what can you do to make them stick? Here are some easy suggestions!
Tips to Help Resolutions Last Longer Than February
1. Write out your resolutions
There are many benefits to writing down goals. Research shows that those who write down goals are 42% more likely to achieve their goals than those who don’t. When you write them down, be specific and set target dates. For example, it’s better to say, “I will lose 5 pounds by the end of February,” than “I need to lose weight immediately.” You can even add more specificity by saying, “I will speak with a nutritionist about my health goals by the end of January.” Review your goals often, and if needed, make adjustments. Remember that it’s more important to stay persistent than it is to be perfect. Please note the word choices: You’re not saying, “I would like to lose 5 pounds.” You’re saying, “I will.”
2. Find someone to hold you accountable
You don’t need to find someone who is on the same journey as you or someone who has the same goals as you; however, if you can find someone who you can share your goals with, it will help your journey. Accountability partners keep us motivated because we want them to be proud of our achievements, so pick someone you care about who you want to check in with and vice-versa. If they have a goal to share with you, it’s great if you can help each other. You want someone who is trustworthy, nonjudgmental, and will provide positive reinforcement.
3. Small, actionable changes are where it’s at
I happen to believe that the most successful life changes are a result of small changes that we implement into our daily lives that eventually build up. I think it’s very rare that success is the result of a major overnight change. For example, if you are not a runner but decide you’d like to run a marathon, build up to that goal slowly. Follow a plan. That’s not something you do overnight. If you decide you want to start working out, create a realistic plan for yourself - maybe you’ll start with twice a week for 20 minutes and build from there. The goal is to build upon changed behaviors rather than quit a resolution because it’s just “too much.”
*By the way, if you haven’t read Jeff Olson’s book The Slight Edge, I highly recommend it. It’s a quick read that discusses this exact concept (but more eloquently!).
4. It’s about discipline, not just motivation
Discipline and motivation are valuable to help you achieve your goals. Motivation gives you the drive to get started, whether it’s external or internal. For example, I was motivated to start Mona Moon Naturals when my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. I wanted to create all-natural skincare products. But what is it that keeps you going once you’re motivated to do something? That’s discipline. Humans are creatures of habit, and we need discipline to create a habit, especially when we begin something new. To make a resolution in your life last, the initial change created from motivation eventually needs to become a habit based on discipline
Support is important, no matter when you start a resolution or what your resolution may be. If you need it, I’m here. It’s important to constantly evaluate where you are at in life and where you want to improve. At the same time, it’s important to remember that you are awesome as you are. Although you may want to improve some habits to become healthier, more positive, or add more joy to your life, remember to treat yourself with love and compassion. Grant yourself grace and the courage to be you.