How to Keep Your New Years Resolutions a Little Bit Longer

We have all done it.  Vowed that we would do ________ so often, or not do ________ as much.  And I am sure most, if not all of us, have also experienced the dwindling motivation and eventual failure to keep these resolutions.  Why do we continue to follow this path year after year? Albert Einstein has been attributed with defining insanity as, “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” So why don’t we shake things up this year, and try something new?  Let’s explore some ways to help us keep the resolutions we put in place!

Have a Passion for it.

Let’s be honest for a second here.  We make time for what we want to do.  Before making any New Year’s resolutions, make sure that you really want what you are pledging to!  It will make it a lot easier for you to get up in the morning and go on that run, or to ignore the Friday morning donuts at the office if you really have a passion and desire for your goal.

Make it Obtainable.

Maybe going to the gym an hour a day seems reasonable.  However, are you always going to have the time or be motivated to work out for that long?  Maybe start with half an hour or other resolutions that are more easily obtainable.  Start easy, and once you build a habit, start adding to it.

Plan and be Organized.

If you have a set plan for how you will obtain your goal and where you want to be in the future, it will help make it easier.  Define what your resolutions are, describe how you will get there, and set reminders.  Be as detailed as possible.

Have Accountability.

Most everyone is more likely to do something when they have someone checking in on them.  You might even be able to find a friend that would want to share your resolutions, so you can keep each other accountable.  Either way, even if it only gives you a tiny bit more motivation, it will help keep you headed towards your goal!

Reward yourself.

Rewards are not only for kids!  Even setting a simple reward, such as eating out, or going to a movie, can help motivate you.  Make it something you enjoy, but don’t get to do very often. This will help motivate you to keep your resolutions.

Hopefully, these steps will help you to stick to your New Year’s Resolutions longer!  Just remember, studies show that it takes 30 days to change or create a habit and 30 more to reaffirm it.  If you can get through January, you have gotten through the hardest part!

Happy New Years!