23 Tips for Making and Keeping Your New Year’s Resolutions in 2023 — Planning Atlas

As the new year approaches, many of us take the opportunity to reflect on the past year and set goals for the year ahead. New Year’s resolutions are a popular way to commit to self-improvement and make positive changes in our lives.

But let’s be honest, it’s not always easy to stick to our resolutions. According to a study by the University of Scranton, only 8% of people actually achieve their New Year’s resolutions. So how can we increase our chances of success?

Here are a few tips for making and keeping your New Year’s resolutions:

1. Choose specific, measurable goals: Instead of resolving to “lose weight,” aim to “lose 10 pounds by March” or “exercise three times a week.” This makes it easier to track your progress and determine if you’ve achieved your goal.
2. Make a plan: Don’t just set a goal and hope for the best. Create a plan for how you will achieve your resolution.
3. Break it down: Dividing your goals into smaller, manageable steps and setting deadlines for each step will help you down the line.
4. Seek support: It can be helpful to seek the support of friends, family, or a professional coach to help you stay on track. Consider joining a support group or finding an accountability partner to help you stay motivated.
5. Be realistic: Don’t set yourself up for failure by setting unrealistic goals. It’s important to challenge yourself, but be sure to choose goals that are achievable within the given time frame.
6. Don’t beat yourself up: If you slip up or fall short of your goal, don’t give up. Remember that setbacks are a normal part of the process and it’s important to be kind to yourself. Get back on track and try again.
7. Write it down: Studies show that people who write down their goals are more likely to achieve them. Keep a journal or planner to track your progress and stay motivated.
8. Celebrate small victories: Don’t wait until you’ve achieved your ultimate goal to celebrate. Recognize and reward yourself for small wins along the way to help keep you motivated.
9. Make it a habit: It takes about 21 days to form a new habit. Make your resolution a part of your daily routine to increase your chances of success.
10. Be specific about the why: Clearly understand the reason behind your resolution. This will help you stay motivated when things get tough.
11. Make it personal: Choose a resolution that is meaningful to you and aligns with your values and goals.
12. Don’t try to change too much at once: It’s easier to stick to a resolution if you’re only focusing on one thing at a time.
13. Keep track of your progress: Regularly review your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your plan.
14. Find a role model: Look for someone who has successfully achieved a similar goal and use them as inspiration.
15. Learn from your mistakes: If you fall short of your goal, take a moment to reflect on what went wrong and use that knowledge to make a plan for the future.
16. Be patient: Change doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient and give yourself time to achieve your goals.
17. Don’t give up: It’s normal to encounter challenges and setbacks along the way, but don’t let them discourage you. Keep going and stay committed to your resolution.
18. Seek professional help: If you’re struggling to achieve your resolution, don’t be afraid to seek professional help. A therapist, coach, or counselor can offer valuable support and guidance.
19. Stay positive: Keep a positive attitude and focus on your progress, rather than dwelling on setbacks.
20. Find a way to make it fun: If you’re struggling to stay motivated, try to find a way to make your resolution more enjoyable. For example, if your resolution is to exercise more, try a new workout class or activity that you find fun.
21. Visualize your success: Close your eyes and imagine yourself achieving your resolution. This can help you stay motivated and visualize the end result.
22. Surround yourself with supportive people: Surround yourself with people who support and encourage you to achieve your goals.
23. Keep your resolution in perspective: Remember that your resolution is just one aspect of your life, and it’s okay to take breaks and prioritize self-care.

Following these tips can increase your chances of success in achieving your 2023 resolutions. Here’s to a happy, healthy, and productive new year!

Originally published at https://www.planningatlas.com on December 29, 2023.