How to make and keep your new year’s resolution in 5 realistic steps

Are you looking for tips on how to make and keep your New Year’s resolutions?

How to make and keep resolutions

It’s easy to get excited about setting goals for ourselves at the start of a new year, but actually sticking to them can be a challenge. Don’t let that stop you from achieving your goals in the coming year! With a little planning and determination, you can make and keep your New Year’s resolutions and make meaningful progress in your personal and professional life.

Happy New Year!

Every year, loads of us make them… New Year’s resolutions. But, disappointment unfortunately often follows as we find we can’t keep them. In fact, research has shown that over 80% of new year’s resolutions fail. That is due to several reasons, reasons that are directly linked to our resolutions. But we’re not here to discourage you, we’re here to help! So let’s try a different approach for 2023 for lasting change.

These five tips will help you to stay on track.

First off; try to stick with one change at a time.

A resolution usually takes more than one action to reinforce it and having multiple resolutions makes for too many actions. When you have three  or four resolutions, with each about five actions, it’s no wonder our brain gets overwhelmed and wants to give up; it’s simply too much! Sticking with one resolution at a time, keeps your brain from getting overwhelmed and increases the chances of keeping that resolution.

Number two; Divide it!

As stated in tip number one, resolutions often entail a lot. Having a resolution like ‘get healthier’ is a very abstract notion and can be achieved in many ways. Write down what it all entails. Breaking your resolution up into behavioral goals helps you keep track of exactly what needs to be done and each time you achieve one of those goals,  you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment. This in turn will fuel your resolution!

Source: Flickr

Three; Plan ahead

In order to start the year with a successful resolution, said resolution has to be researched. Read about it; the more knowledge you have on the subject, the more you know what all to do to keep the resolution, plus it’ll even get you excited to start! Research there solution and prepare; make a schedule, get the needed equipment, whatever needs be done to start smoothly. 

Four: Reaffirm the resolution

Write it down, say it out loud, share it with others: get it out into the world! Being reminded by different stimuli, whether it be visually through notes on your fridge and in your agenda, or vocal through friends and family asking you how you’re progressing, keeps your vow on your mind but even more importantly; it keeps it tangible instead of just an idea in your mind.

Source: Flickr

And last, but not least….

Don’t give up!

Not all is lost when you fail once or twice. Your resolution was to quit smoking and you sneaked a cigarette halfway through January? No biggie! It doesn’t mean you’ve failed at all; the important thing is you keep at it. You haven’t failed unless you’ve quit trying.

And some bonus advice;

January first sounds like the ideal day to start your resolution, right? Fresh year, fresh start… But it is of course just another day and with all the holiday leftovers and holiday schedule, it can be a bit tough. If January first isn’t ideal for you, start your resolution when you’ve resumed your normal schedule and when you feel ready. 

Because keep in mind, everyday is an opportunity for change.