Getting Resolutions to Stick

 

 

We’ve all been there.  Gung ho to make some serious life altering changes just because the clock strikes 12 on New Year’s Eve.  Then, within a few weeks, our resolve starts to wane.  If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.  According to research, more than 45% of Americans regularly make resolutions, and only 8% actually report achieving success.  If you’ve ever been to your local gym in January, you don’t need statistics to tell you how many people make exercise resolutions.  Go back in February, and most of those new faces will be gone, until the next year that is.

The top New Year’s resolution for 2014 is weight loss.  Boston Medical Center reports that 45 million Americans are dieting right now.  Yet still two-thirds of the population is overweight or obese. Close runner ups to weight loss for resolutions include saving money, exercise more, quitting smoking, and getting organized.  Whatever your goals may be for this year, these tips will help keep you on track.

1. Pare down the list – Instead of trying to do everything at once, focus on one or two goals that are realistic and seem achievable for where you are now.  If you want to diet, quit smoking, and start an exercise program all at the same time, you may be setting yourself up for failure.  Change that sticks can take a long time.  You may be overwhelmed by trying to take on too much at once, and end up achieving nothing.
2. Write it down – Now that you’ve narrowed down your goals, write them down.  Include a step by step plan of how you envision yourself getting there.  Write down what you think the benefits will be to incorporating these goals.  For example, if you have an exercise goal, some benefits may be having more energy, sleeping better, and losing weight.  Having it in writing makes it more tangible, and gives you direction.
3. Check in on yourself – Review your progress periodically and see how it’s going.  If you’re hitting roadblocks try to figure out how to circumvent them to get to where you want to go.  For example, if your goal was to go to the gym, and it’s not happening, consider seeing a trainer, or signing up for group classes.  The appointment creates accountability until exercise becomes part of your lifestyle, and having a trainer or class group to exercise with will make your workouts more fun.
4. Progress, not perfection – Don’t abandon your efforts just because of a few slip ups.  Skip the self-deprecating talk, focus on the positive, and keep moving forward.