As the stressful holiday season is coming to an end, we can all finally relax again. Often around this time of year, we hear our friends and family members talking about the new year. They're most likely talking about how horrible the past year was for them, as well as how they're going to try and make the next one better. You'll hear things such as, "This is the year I'm going to hit the gym and start losing my extra pounds," or, "This is a new ear so it's a new me." In the eyes of many, the new year symbolizes a clean slate. It represents a completely fresh start and none of the things – good, bad or ugly – have to rollover into the next year. In theory, the new year is a way to rid yourself of all of the negativity that surrounded you prior and to create a whole new beginning. You could get yourself in shape, make new friends who make you happy and become a better person. Many of these resolutions will not be carried out. In fact, only eight percent of people who make resolutions are successful. Why?
The trouble in keeping these resolutions lies in the fact that all of these things are easier said than done. You may say that you're going to improve yourself, but any kind of change is very hard work and it can be difficult to keep up with. Here are five ways to make achievable New Year's resolutions that won't leave you disappointed by the end of 2016.
1. Don't make your resolutions overwhelming. Start small, but be specific.
Sure, we all know you want to lose that extra weight from all of the delectable chocolates, cheese platters and lasagna that you've been consuming all season long (paired with taking a nice nap afterward). But will you really rise up to the resolution to lose 50 pounds right away, or will you get scared and turn back to that dangerously delicious comfort food? Try making a smaller resolution that won't stress you out just by saying it. Instead of, "I want to lose 50 pounds this year," say, "I want to lose four pounds each month." This sounds much less intimidating and in reality it is exactly the same. Keep your goals small, but specific, so that you know exactly what you're expecting of yourself. Smaller goals yield larger results over time.
2. Talk to people about your resolutions.
Talking to people about your resolutions is a fantastic way to get yourself in the proper mindset. If you tell someone what your goal is, you will be more likely to follow through because you're now expected to fulfill it. You don't want to disappoint that person, do you? Additionally, you may even find a friend with the same resolution. This is great because now you can motivate each other and work together to reach your goals. Plus, when you do reach your goals, you'll have someone to celebrate with. The more the merrier!
3. Reward yourself.
Incentives are a great way to motivate, especially if you're fulfilling your resolution all on your own. Keep a calendar and track how you're doing and when you'd like your first goal completed. If it's completed in the time allotted, go buy that sparkly necklace you've been eyeing for months. Treat yourself to that relaxing spa day that you've been needing. You deserve some valuable you time! Only if you reach your goals, though.
4. Track your progress.
Journals are a great way for you to keep yourself in check. It doesn't have to be a big production. Write a brief paragraph about what's going on in your life, how you're doing with your resolutions and how you're feeling. Chances are you may find patterns and correlations with your progress and your everyday life. Make sure to do this daily if possible; it's the best way to keep yourself on the path to success.
5. Keep it up!
According to the experts, it takes about 21 days (three weeks) for new activities to become habits and six months for those habits to become part of your personality. Things won't change overnight. People tend to start off strong through the first week of the new year, but then things get more difficult and they lose all of the motivation they had from the beginning. Take it all one day at a time, and don't stress over a little slip-up; we're human, and they will happen. Pick yourself up and keep your final goals in mind so you'll never give up.
Ready. Set. Go!
