Tips for Successful Resolutions
The Nurturing Well by: Jill Starbuck
Did you make a New Year’s resolution? If so, you are among nearly half of all Americans who make resolutions each year. The most common resolutions have to do with losing weight, making money, reducing debt, quitting a smoking habit, and exercising more. However, only 8% of people achieve their resolutions. This means that the majority of us don’t make our resolutions come true. In fact, after just two short weeks, many people have already given up on their resolutions.
While few people make their resolutions a reality, there are some ways you can increase your odds of being a part of the winning 8%. Try the following tips to ensure your resolutions come true.
- Believe. The person who matters the most when it comes to achieving goals is you. If you don’t believe in yourself, you will not realize your goals. Period. So believe!
- Commit. No matter how many times you fail, try again. Studies show that many people do not achieve their resolutions on the first try. They have to try multiple times before they succeed.
- Change the date. Who says that resolutions should be made at the beginning of a new year? You can make resolutions throughout the year when it makes more sense. In fact, starting at the beginning of the New Year can add stress after a holiday break. Furthermore, you can continue to make new resolutions once you achieve your original one!
- Be realistic. Make sure your resolution is achievable. For instance, rather than setting a goal to win the lottery, start saving more money instead.
- Be specific. Most often people don’t reach their goals because the goals aren’t specific enough. Rather than committing to just saving money or losing weight, determine the amount you will save or lose. Go small and take it one day at a time.
If you’ve already made your resolution, but it doesn’t fit the above criteria, consider changing it. Remember that your resolution doesn’t define you as a person whether you achieve it or not. But achieving a goal you’ve set for yourself will make a big difference in your life.
