We are mere weeks away from the new year, which means it’s time to start thinking about our resolutions and what we want the next 365 days of our lives to look like. The downside to resolutions? We tend to break them – and are hard on ourselves when we do. Want the secret to making and keeping new year’s resolutions? Read on!
Pick a Resolution That’s Perfect for You
We’re more likely to stick to resolutions when they’re both meaningful and achievable. Conversely, vague and unrealistic resolutions are nearly impossible to keep. Some easy resolutions you may want to consider include:
- Move more, sit less. Make it a daily goal to move more by taking the stairs instead of the elevator, going for a morning jog, or taking your fur baby for an extra walk during the day. already doing 5 reps at the gym? Make it 6!
- Make more eco-friendly choices. Every little bit helps, so buy that pack of stainless-steel straws and learn the ins and outs of your local recycling center.
- Become an early bird. If you get up early and get moving by going on a walk or hitting the gym, you’ll have more energy and get overall better sleep.
- Read more; turn the TV on less. Blue light from your TV and other electronic devices stimulate your brain, so if you already have trouble falling asleep, being glued to a screen won’t help. Instead, set an alarm for 30 minutes before bedtime, turn the tube off, and curl up with a great read.
Make It Measurable
To gauge whether you’re making progress with your resolution, you need a way to measure it. For instance, if your goal is to read more, create a journal or log to track your progress. If your resolution is to send more handwritten letters to loved ones, make a monthly plan of who you want to send them to and mark them off as you go.
Be Patient With Yourself
Change is a process, and depending on your resolution, the road is likely challenging. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be a resolution! Remember that it’s normal to miss a step or two as you go; the important thing is that you don’t give up.
Celebrate the Small Victories
Just make sure your celebrations don’t contradict your resolutions. For example, if your resolution is to make healthier choices regarding food, don’t reward yourself by polishing off an entire cheesecake.
Surround Yourself With Support
It might be tempting to stay quiet about your resolutions for fear of failure, but we suggest the opposite. Telling those closest to you about your goals means that you can rely on others for support, especially when you aren’t feeling it.
Consistency Is Key
Experts say it takes 21 days for a new activity to become a habit and six months to become part of your personality.
Keep a Motivation Journal or List
For these weaker moments when you’re wondering if you should throw in the towel, reach for your motivation journal or list and remember why you started in the first place.
Do you have any tips for making and keeping new year’s resolutions? Share them with us in the comments below!