How to actually keep your New Year’s Resolutions

By Anna – 25 December 2022Β 

The start of a new year is the perfect time to start again “from scratch”, which is probably why so many people make New Year’s resolutions. Easier said than done though, as there is a chance that by the end of February you have all but forgotten the promises you made to yourself. This year, stop the cycle of resolving to make a change and then not following through. Whatever your resolutions might be, here are a few pointers on how to really make them stick.

Be realistic

It all starts with setting your resolutions right. Don’t be afraid to go big, but ask yourself what is attainable. If your goal is to become fitter this year, don’t try to work out every single day. Set yourself a number of workouts you’ll try to fit in a month, and go from there. This will allow more flexibility and you’ll feel less demotivated if you don’t complete it all.

Be specific

If your goal is to lose weight, don’t just leave it at that. Make sure you put a number to it. This way it will be much easier to measure your success.

Think about your reasons

Why are you trying to make this change? Ask yourself what is it that you’re really trying to achieve. Perhaps your goal isn’t actually to lose weight, but to build healthy and sustainable habits that will help you lead a healthy and happy life. Whatever it is you’re planning, make sure to really sit down and think about it before you commit.

Limit your resolutions

Instead of trying to achieve everything at once, focus on a few key changes you’d like to address. That way you won’t get overwhelmed and it will be much easier to follow. Achieving even one small goal can boost your belief in yourself. For larger goals, consider breaking them apart into manageable chunks to work on one at a time.

Make a plan

Break up the year so you can assign specific themes or goals to a specific time period. Again, it will allow you to really give it your all. Establishing new behavioral patterns takes time and sustained effort. Focusing on one specific goal makes keeping a resolution much more achievable.

Don’t beat yourself up

Obsessing over the occasional slip up won’t help you achieve your goal in the long term. Focus on one day at a time, and you’ll find yourself much more motivated. In the end, whatever change you’re making, it will have a positive impact on your well-being – even if you don’t reach your ultimate goals. If your resolutions are all set already, don’t wait until the beginning of the near year to make a move. Get a headstart now and check the schedule to book your next workout, there probably is a fitness-related goal on your list too πŸ™‚