Tips for Sticking to Your New Year’s Resolution

December 2023

As we head into the new year, we often face the question, “What is your New Year’s resolution going to be this year?” We roll into every January with lofty expectations and goals that are likely unattainable, causing us to quit on our resolutions by February.

Setting goals and trying to improve yourself is fine, but whether it’s to lose weight, eat healthier or get organized, we have all likely made New Year’s resolutions incorrectly.

As 2025 begins, here are a few tips for making the most of your New Year’s resolutions and seeing better results.

1. Start Small—If you want to lose 50 pounds by 2026, you should commit to a healthier and more physically active lifestyle today than you did yesterday. Set a goal of walking around the block and gradually build on it daily. The goal is to create a new habit that becomes routine.
2. Don’t Be Too Hard On Yourself – We’ll all experience setbacks when we try to change daily habits, so don’t spend too much dwelling on the negatives. Beating yourself up will not help you move on and succeed. Move on to the next day and get back to your routine.
3. Consistency is Key – The Huffington Post says a new habit can take up to 60 consecutive days to become routine. Missing a day or two will always happen, but if it drags on, it can become easier to quit than to build yourself back up.
4. Celebrate Accomplishments—When establishing a new habit, always celebrate your big or small victories. Give yourself a high-five or reward yourself with a new pair of walking shoes. Celebrating your achievements, no matter how small, can boost your morale and motivate you. Just ensure the reward isn’t counterintuitive, like a brownie or Twinkie.
5. Remember Your Why—As with any goal, remember why you are working towards this achievement. Are you losing weight to fit back into your favorite dress? Do you want to improve your health to have more energy to spend with your kids? Your ‘why’ is your anchor, your motivation, and it can help drive you throughout the process, making your journey more meaningful and your goals more achievable.
6. Every Day is Different—Don’t go into this year with a yearly goal. Instead, look at this more as a daily process. Each day can have its ups and downs. Your goals will be much more attainable if you set them as daily accomplishments instead of something you have 365 days to complete.

No matter your New Year’s resolutions, we encourage you to stick to them and make the changes you want to see in 2025! Happy New Year!

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