How to Set Better New Year’s Resolutions (and Finally Keep Them)

For most of us, the new year represents a time of change. A time to set goals and push ourselves to have a better year than the one before. These resolutions are what most of us look forward to with each coming year and try as we might, they seem nearly impossible to stick to. Whether it is to start going to the gym or travel to every country on the planet, we set these goals with excitement and confidence in ourselves. Then, like with all things, life somehow seems to get in the way of our plans. So how do we take these goals that we make in earnest and stick to them? We are glad you asked! Here are a few ways you can make your resolutions a reality in 2021.

When thinking about your New Year’s resolutions, consider the following questions:

  • What do I really want?
  • Why is this important for me to achieve?
  • What can I do more?
  • What can I do less of?
  • What do I want to continue?
  • How will I know if I have achieved my resolutions?

As much as you can, we want you to establish habits and think more critically about your resolutions so that you can achieve them. Be willing to be flexible and change your thoughts and patterns. Remember, relapse is part of the process, but if you are determined and follow these steps below, you will be in a great position to get started.

1. Plan Ahead

The most successful way to stick to your resolutions is to think about them ahead of time. You do not want to be one of those people who scramble as the countdown happens to come up with a resolution just to have an answer. If you really want to make a change, start thinking about it ahead of time. The more thought and effort you put into your resolutions, the more likely you are to follow through.

2. Baby Steps

If your resolution is to go to the gym, but you have never had a membership before, you cannot expect to walk in and be good at everything. Focus on what you are looking for in your gym experience. Is it important that they have a space for yoga? Or weight lifting? What exactly are you hoping to accomplish by joining? Once you answer these questions, you will be able to take steps towards hitting the gym every day. Do not get too far ahead of yourself and start small. When you take small steps, the goal feels less far away and is much easier to achieve.

3. Reward System

Who does not love a good treat? One of the best ways we can motivate ourselves to do anything is by establishing some sort of reward system. A great reward is a day off. This is something that you can look forward to and a concrete reward for a job well done. If you are trying to eat better, that day off can be a time when you allow yourself to have whatever you want. However, this is only effective if you eat well the other six days of the week.

4. Write it Down

Focus on why you made the resolution you did and write it down. Not only will it be easier for you to remember, but it will challenge you to put your resolution into action. This is particularly effective when you change your resolution into SMART goals. But what is the difference between a resolution and a goal?

New Year’s Resolution:​ “I will go to the gym in this coming year.” New Year’s Goal:​ “I will join ​this​ specific gym where I will work out five days a week in order to gain muscle and lose weight in this coming year.”

A SMART goal is one that is: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. When your goals follow this framework, you are much more likely to achieve your goals. It is easier to hold yourself accountable for specifics rather than more abstract thoughts or ideas.

Final Thoughts

As much as possible, avoid comparison. Everyone is on a different path with different expectations and experiences. Maybe someone will be ‘faster’ at losing weight or doing something entirely different than you to do so, but that is okay! Follow your own path and embrace the failure that comes with it. Failure is proof that you are trying new things. This process of setting goals will make you more resilient the harder you work to achieve them. Finally, enjoy the process. The new year is a fantastic opportunity to make big changes. As committed as you plan to be to these resolutions and SMART goals, have fun along the way, and do not put your life entirely on hold. Let’s leave this year better than we found it with achievable resolutions and excitement for a fresh start.

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Sean McCormick

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