Tips for Sticking to New Year's Resolutions

As a new decade begins, many of us are setting goals and switching things up. But New Year's resolutions aren't easy to stick to. In fact, only eight percent of people keep their resolution all year long. To make sure you're among that eight percent, use these tips to achieve your goals this year. Best of luck!

Achieve Your New Year's Resolutions

1. Set Reminders

One of the best ways to stay on track with New Year's resolutions is to set a reminder. If your resolution involves daily work, set a daily reminder. If it's a weekly challenge, set a weekly reminder. Reminders help you form a routine or habit to achieve your resolution.

Your smartphone is a great way to keep you on target. The built-in calendar app likely has a reminder functionality that will work just fine. If not, check out apps like Google Keep, Any.do, and Clear.

2. Track Your Accomplishments

It's hard to see progress if you don't have a benchmark. Note the status of your New Year's resolution at the beginning of the year and periodically check in. If your resolution is to lose weight, note your starting weight and check in once a month. If your resolution is to read more, keep a log of the books you've read.

A good old-fashioned pen and paper combo is perfect for tracking your accomplishments. But you can also use your smartphone. The built-in notes app is perfect or try a journaling app like Day One.

3. Be Realistic

Don't let your hopes get ahead of what's possible. You need to be realistic with what can be accomplished.

That doesn't mean you shouldn't stretch yourself! It's good to strive for a goal. But remember that most New Year's resolutions are big goals and take a year. Don't expect your resolution to be achieved after the first month, or even after six months. You're in this for the long haul.

4. Consider Your Environment

If you're having trouble sticking to your resolution, take stock of your environment. Is it conducive to achieving your goal?

For example, if your goal is to stop smoking, you might want to spend some time away from others who smoke. If your goal is to run a 10k, join a local running group. To find local groups with similar goals and interests, try a service like Meetup. Being around the right people can make a world of difference.

5. Specify the Benefit(s) of Achieving Your Resolution

Often, we set goals without detailing the benefits of achieving that goal. In other words, we fail to answer the "why?" question. Knowing the benefit of achievement can make it much easier to stick to your New Year's resolutions.

Write down what the benefits of running a 10k will be. Note how your life will be different if you can save enough for that big move. Make a list of the ways your worldview might change if you read those books. You can even turn these benefits into a poster to remind you why you're taking on your challenge!

6. Celebrate Progress

It'll take time, but you will make progress on your goal. Don't fret along the way. Instead, celebrate the achievements along the path to your end goal. Let yourself take a day to relax and enjoy that you've reached a milestone. These occasional "rest days" can make or break your ability to follow through with your resolution.  

We hope you've gathered some good ideas from these tips for sticking to your New Year's resolutions. If you found these tips helpful, would you mind sharing this post? It may help someone else achieve their goal!  

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