4 Tips to Make New Years Resolutions Stick

It happens every January. Large numbers of people flock to the health club excited to lose some weight and get in better shape. By February most of them are gone. New Year’s resolutions are not a bad thing; I make them myself every year. However, making your New Year’s resolutions stick is a different matter. It’s easy to tell ourselves we are going to do something thinking our initial enthusiasm is enough to make it happen. Successful resolutions rarely work off sheer enthusiasm or force of will unless you have a lot of discipline. Most of us need to put some thought and planning into their goals. So, if you want to significantly raise your chances of success then take note of the following 4 tips to make New Years resolutions stick.

4 tips to make New Years Resolutions Stick

1. Make a plan with steps

If you haven’t done this then you are already setting yourself up for failure. Planning is the single most important thing you can do to ensure success of your resolution. A plan is a map for how you are going to get there because after all, just how are you going to achieve your goal exactly??? It’s easy to say you’re going to do something, but when it comes down to it how are you going to make that happen? For example, if you want to learn how to make soap how exactly does you do that? You don’t just go make soap; you need to know what you are doing. A good first plan would involve learning about the process, getting supplies, preparation, and then the actual soap making itself. Most resolutions require a plan with parts, so do yourself a favor- plan out how you are going to get to your resolution!

2. Have realistic expectations

Having big, huge resolutions is not a bad thing. Lots of people do it and have the discipline to pull it off. However, lots of people don’t have the discipline they think they do, and therefore, need to modify their expectations. A friend of mine does a yearly fast which involves only vegetables, fruits, and water and it is 7 weeks long! My friend is an amazingly disciplined person in this area. While I admire the idea, I also know that I am not disciplined enough to go 7 weeks without coffee or chocolate, nor do I want to, so that is a completely unrealistic resolution for me to set. This is where it is important to be honest with yourself and your shortcomings. If you know you have the discipline for a huge goal, then go for it; if you’re not so sure then modify it while still challenging yourself. Or better yet, get an accountability partner (see number 3).

3. Accountability

Having accountability in some shape or form is very valuable. Accountability can take different forms whether it be a buddy or a reward system. If you are working on a resolution that is long term, then a mentor might be a valuable thing for you. Regularly meeting and discussing progress is hugely helpful. Or maybe you give yourself a reward every time you reach a certain level. I’ve had friends do that in weight loss. A friend of mine has a coach that keeps her on task while she is working on losing weight and getting fit. Make sure your accountability system works for you.

4. Plan for failure

Failure is going to happen and often. At some point you will want to quit or quit because the journey has gotten difficult. You need to know how you are going to deal with it. You also need to consider your response to failure. Berating yourself is a terrible response that doesn’t work. Giving yourself grace because you are a flawed human is a much better choice. If you fail, accept it and know you can start again tomorrow. Remember, setbacks are not always a bad thing because lessons can be learned from them. Or maybe you just need a break. Acknowledge the setback without the negativity and pick up where you left off.

Hope you enjoyed 4 Tips to Make New Years Resolutions Stick!