Wellness Wednesday: 5 Ways to Make Your New Year’s Resolutions Stick

Dec 25, 2013
Jessica Wilson • Lifestyle

With the New Year comes a new list of resolutions and for many that can be daunting. It’s safe to say that many resolutions are broken before January is even over and the reasons are not surprising. So how do you break the cycle and successfully reach your goals for 2014? Whether you’re committing to losing weight, volunteering more or getting a promotion, we’ve got 5 surefire ways to help make your resolutions stick.

1. Choose Something Specific

Don’t set yourself up for failure by choosing a resolution that is too vague. If your goal is to “get in shape,” be sure to clarify what that means and how you are going to get there. A better resolution would be “exercise four times a week.” With this concrete goal you are able to plan accordingly and map out a plan of action as to how you will accomplish this.

2. Be Realistic

The “New Year, New You” saying puts a lot of pressure on us to create lofty goals that we often do not keep. Why? One of the biggest reasons people don’t stick to their resolutions is because they are unattainable or not realistic. With an unrealistic goal comes unrealistic expectations and when we do not live up to them, we feel bad about it and quit. Make sure you choose something that works with your lifestyle.

Make Your New Year's Resolutions Stick

3. Do it With a Partner

Try the buddy system this year and get a partner with the same resolution that will help hold you accountable. Having a friend working towards the same goal will give you a sense of community and that little extra boost on days when you need a little motivation. Check in with each other and track your progress and challenges. A little encouragement goes a long way.

4. Break it Down into Mini Goals

Break down your resolution for the year into mini goals that can be accomplished along the way. Taking baby steps will not make your overarching goal seem as overwhelming and will allow you to reward yourself for a job well done. If your goal is to lose 20 pounds in 2014, make your mini goal to lose 5 pounds per quarter and you’ll be much more likely to stick with it.

5. Start a Journal

Start a journal dedicated to your resolution and use it to track your progress, plan out your week ahead and express your feelings throughout the journey. Add visuals for motivation or anything that reminds you of your end goal. At the end of each week, go back and read your entries and evaluate how things are going. This will help keep you on track and know when to reevaluate.