Sticking to Your Resolutions
2022 is officially upon us, which also means it's New Year's
Resolution season. On average, only 46% of people who make a resolution are
successful in keeping it 6 months later. In 2020, 35% of people who made
resolutions kept them. Whether your resolution is to get in shape, eat better,
read more, or save money; the next 5 steps can help you be sure your
resolutions will stick once and for all:
Make them attainable:
If your resolution for 2022 is to exercise more, but you
didn't step foot inside of a gym for all of 2021, don't make your resolution to
exercise 7 days per week. Try starting out at 2 or 3 days per week. You won't
overwhelm yourself and will be less likely to fall off the wagon if you skip a
day or two.
Write them down:
Writing down your resolutions gives a concrete list to refer
to throughout the year. Our brains are full of mental notes so try writing them
down to check your progress on weekly or monthly basis. Keep your list close by
in your wallet, taped to your bathroom mirror, or at your desk where you know
you will see it regularly.
Make a checklist:
A popular resolution is to read more. You've written down
your goal and make it attainable at one book per month. Make a checklist next
to the goal you've written, where you write down each number of books you would
like to read and check off the list as you go. Physically checking a box will
give you a mental boost to keep going.
Make a plan:
To be successful, you need to have a plan. You can be flexible
but try to decide what days of the week you are going to the gym or cooking
from home vs ordering out. If your plan is to save money, set up an automatic
transfer from your checking or savings or put it in your calendar to physically
move the money once per month.
Tell your friends:
It takes a village, and that includes sticking to resolutions. Find a friend who is also making a goal and work together to hold each other accountable. Telling a friend will make you 65% more likely to reach your goals for the year.
No matter what goals you have, remember you can do this!
Goals are important at any time of year. They are integral in providing you
direction and giving you a clear focus on decision making. Happy New Year to
all!
