Making New Year’s Resolutions Stick

by | Jan 5, 2015

  1. Realize that New Year’s day is just another day and that making resolutions on this day is no different from making a resolution on any other day.  It is unrealistic to place too much emphasis on one day as there is time to make gradual changes.
  2. Write down your resolutions – Writing down the resolutions creates a greater connection between your thinking self and doing self and makes the resolution appear more real than if you simply think it in your head.
  3. Pinpoint your most realistic resolutions – Think long term and make sure it’s something you can realistically see happening.
  4. Focus on one change at a time – Rather than trying to have several large changes underway at once, such as trying to lose weight, quit smoking, and increase your exercise regime, break the changes down into smaller lots and focus on one single resolution at a time
  5. Use positive language rather than negative demands when thinking about doing your resolution – For example, rather than thinking “I can’t be bothered going to the gym”, think “I always feel so much better for going to the gym and I love that feeling.”
  6. Make the change a gradual one – At least 21 days of pursuing a new habit are needed to break the old habit, and a good period of time to set a new resolution in place is around two months, after which time it should feel much easier to meet your resolution.
  7. Get some support – Consider joining an online support group for specific resolutions such as losing weight, meditating daily or training for the next marathon.
  8. Review your progress – Break your resolution down into stages so you can track your progress. Look back after a couple of months and see what you’re doing right and try to fix anything that you’re doing wrong.
  9. Celebrate – Remember to celebrate your successes, but make sure the way you celebrate doesn’t go against your resolution.