Written by Every New Year, it’s become a tradition for people around the world to look back on the past year and start thinking about the year ahead.
Many reflect on improving themselves and making positive changes in their lives. This is why so many people make New Year’s resolutions at this time.
These goals may range from small changes, such as drinking more water, sleeping more, or being more active, to big ones, like exercising, learning a new skill, or stopping old habits that no longer serve us.
But let’s be honest. Sticking to those resolutions can be challenging. While setting New Year’s resolutions may sound easy, sticking to them can be quite tough for some.
Have you ever set a resolution in the past, only to find yourself struggling to keep up with it a few weeks or months later?
It’s not uncommon for people to fall back into old habits, lose motivation, or struggle to commit long-term.
But don’t worry, you’re not alone! Believe me. I’ve been there.
In fact, research shows that only around 8% of people actually stick with them. So, don’t beat yourself up badly.
However, if you want to make it right this year, don’t lose hope too. Remember that nothing is impossible with a little effort, guidance, and determination!
In this post, I’ll share five great tips on how to stick with your New Year’s resolutions, even when it gets tough.
Start With Small Goals
The key is to identify a realistic goal and break it down into smaller, more manageable steps.
For example, if your goal is to read more books this year, you can start with a daily 30-minute reading routine instead of trying to read a whole book in one sitting.
By focusing your energy on achievable milestones, you can keep yourself motivated and avoid discouragement.
Remember to start slowly and consistently so you can get used to this new habit and build up from there. This way, you won’t feel overwhelmed by big changes, too!
Write Down Your Goals
Writing down your goals helps you get a clear idea of what you want to achieve. You can write it in your journal, type it on your laptop or iPad, or write it on a sticky note and paste it somewhere you can see.
When you can see your goals in front of you, it makes them more real and tangible. It also makes it easier to stay on track, focused, and motivated to commit to them.
Limit Your Resolutions
While you might want to achieve many goals this year, having a long list of New Year’s resolutions can be overwhelming and draining. You’ll end up spreading yourself too thin, and that’s not good!
Instead of trying to do everything all at once, pick just one and focus your energies on it. Doing so makes changes much more achievable. Remember, one goal at a time.
Make Habits Enjoyable
Building long-lasting habits doesn’t have to be exhausting. If you dread doing something before actually doing it, it can create a lot of negative emotions and stress. This can make the task more difficult, making it hard for you to achieve it.
Find ways to make it enjoyable instead of setting a resolution that feels like a chore.
For example, if you want to exercise more, you can do it with a friend or exercise while your favorite playlist is on repeat.
If you want to learn baking, you can look up recipes for your favorite treats and bake with your family.
If you enjoy things, you’ll likely stick to them and achieve your goals.
Celebrate Your Efforts And Wins
Taking the time to celebrate the small accomplishments along the way can help you stay motivated and committed to your resolution.
Rewards can also help keep you on track and avoid discouragements. By setting a reward for yourself, once you reach a certain milestone, you give yourself something to look forward to doing. It is also a reminder of your progress.
After completing a habit, you can treat yourself to a small snack, allow yourself to play games, or even give yourself a positive affirmation!
These tips will hopefully help you stick to your New Year’s resolutions. They can be used to help accomplish any of your goals in life, from doing better at school to becoming more healthy and fit.
If you find it difficult to accomplish your goals, just remember that big changes take time. Don’t get discouraged! Strive for progress and not perfection. Little improvements over time are the best ways to create lasting changes. You can also try doing alternative resolutions that still make a difference, but are easier to achieve.
