How to Stick to Your New Year’s Resolutions
New Year’s resolutions can be a great way to kick start a new year but many people struggle at sticking to them. The unexpected realities of life often have a way of distracting us from our New Years resolutions and they can easily fall by the wayside. However, there are definite ways you can increase the likelihood of maintaining your New Year’s resolutions.
Here are our top tips to keeping your fitness or weight loss New Years Resolutions:
Be Realistic
We have all heard the cheesy “A New Year, A New You,” line but try to be realistic in setting your New Year resolutions. Choose something that will be beneficial but isn’t overwhelmingly challenging. If you know you’re busy with work or being a full time law student, but want to get into shape, instead of setting your New Years resolution as going to the gym everyday, set it at 2-3 times a week. It will be easier to keep, and increase the chance for success. Or if you want to quit smoking, make a resolution that involves gradually cutting back on how much you smoke rather than giving it up entirely all at once.
Recruit Others
Embarking on a New Years resolution is always tough, but with the help of others it can be a little easier. Try to find family members or friends that are making similar resolutions this year and work as a team to conquer your New Year resolution together. Putting in a team effort and supporting one another can make a world of difference and really help you stay motivated.
Be Specific
You are less likely to stick to New Years resolutions that are vague. Popular New Year’s resolutions are often along the lines of “get fit” or “learn a new language,” but their lack of specifics makes them very hard to stick to. Choose a goal you want to achieve and create a plan of exactly how you aim to reach it. If you have a realistic and definite plan that you can visualize yourself achieving, you are much more likely to accomplish it.
Spread the Word
If you keep your New Years resolution ideas to yourself, no one can hold you accountable! Although telling others of your New Years resolution can turn the pressure up, this in itself can be a motivating factor. Tell your friends, family and coworkers of what you are trying to achieve and they can potentially serve as a great support team. You could also set up your own blog or page on your favorite social networking site that tracks your progresses as well as any setbacks. The reaction and encouragement from others will motivate you and your efforts may even inspire others.
Have Fun
Cutting back on your cigarettes or lifting weights may not sound like a lot of fun, but it can be! Try to reward yourself for your New Year resolutions efforts and your hard work will seem like less of a chore. Of course you need to be practical in your rewards, like don’t eat a hamburger if you lose 5lbs or go designer clothes shopping if you just paid your credit card off. Instead, reward yourself with fun activities or gifts that won’t thwart your New Years goals.
As you can see, maintaining and achieving your New Year resolution ideas doesn’t have to be mission impossible. There are so many ways you can stay motivated and stick to your New Year’s resolution – and have fun at the same time! Just remember to set attainable goals and don’t be too hard on yourself if setbacks do occur. Good Luck!
