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:
- 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.
- Make a plan: Don’t just set a goal and hope for the best. Create a plan for how you will achieve your resolution.
- Break it down: Dividing your goals into smaller, manageable steps and setting deadlines for each step will help you down the line.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Be specific about the why: Clearly understand the reason behind your resolution. This will help you stay motivated when things get tough.
- Make it personal: Choose a resolution that is meaningful to you and aligns with your values and goals.
- 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.
- Keep track of your progress: Regularly review your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your plan.
- Find a role model: Look for someone who has successfully achieved a similar goal and use them as inspiration.
- 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.
- Be patient: Change doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient and give yourself time to achieve your goals.
- 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.
- 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.
- Stay positive: Keep a positive attitude and focus on your progress, rather than dwelling on setbacks.
- 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.
- Visualize your success: Close your eyes and imagine yourself achieving your resolution. This can help you stay motivated and visualize the end result.
- Surround yourself with supportive people: Surround yourself with people who support and encourage you to achieve your goals.
- 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.