With New Year’s Eve approaching, millions of Americans across the country are asking themselves the same question: “What should my New Year’s resolution be?”
According to research, people who make resolutions are 10 times more likely to achieve their goals than those who do not explicitly make resolutions. However, as we all know, keeping resolutions is difficult because changing one’s lifestyle can be extremely difficult.
Whether you want to quit smoking, lose weight, or cut back on drinking, the following strategies will help you succeed, making 2020 your healthiest and happiest year yet.
Maintain Focus on a Single Goal
We frequently try to do too many things at once, which can be difficult to manage. Instead, focus on one goal at a time, and if it’s a big one, divide it into smaller steps.
Set Specific Objectives
Board resolutions are difficult to keep because progress is difficult to track and too much is attempted at once.
For instance, “eat healthier,” “lose weight,” “manage finances,” or “save money.”
Instead, narrow down your resolution to one specific goal or set multiple goals for the year. This way, you’ll always have something attainable to focus on that’s not too far away.
For example, “lose 15 pounds by May,” “save at least $200 each month,” or “exercise at least 45 minutes five times a week.”
Make use of the Buddy System.
Consult with a few close friends or family members who will be honest with you while keeping you on track when making your resolution.
Also, if someone close to you has a similar goal, you can be each other’s “resolution buddy,” which could increase both of your success rates because you both want the same thing.
Maintain a Journal
A recent Stanford University study found that people who write down their goals are 70% more likely to succeed than those who do not keep a journal.
Set daily reminders for yourself.
Keeping your resolution in mind at all times is an important strategy for sticking to it. This can be accomplished by placing visual reminders throughout your home, workplace, phone, and car.
Place a motivational sticky note on your refrigerator door, for example, if your resolution is to lose weight. This will make you reconsider eating something you shouldn’t.
Concentrate on the Process
It’s a common misconception that change happens overnight, which isn’t always the case. In fact, most unhealthy habits take at least 21 days to break, so be patient.
Starting with small, simple goals can help you gain confidence in order to achieve larger goals in the future. Keep in mind that Rome was not built in a day.
Finally, don’t be afraid to set New Year’s resolutions. You can finally achieve your resolution with a little willpower and determination. Achieving one’s resolution may also improve one’s health and lengthen one’s life, which may qualify you for a lower life insurance premium.