1.01.2010

5 Ways to (really) Stick to your New Year's Resolutions

Hello world!  For my first post I'll detail a few ways to help you actually stick to your resolutions.

Every year, millions of people make resolutions that they forget a few days later.  Don't be one of them!  Here's how to make it work.

1. Be realistic!


Don't make too many resolutions, or resolutions that are probably out of reach.  For example, maybe you want to get in shape this year.  Instead of your resolution being "I'm going to work out EVERY DAY!!" make it "I'm going to work out 3 times a week!"
That way, you are more likely to stick with it since it's less of a stark lifestyle change, and easier to manage.  It's still a totally do-able resolution that will give you amazing results and make you feel good about reaching your goals!

2. It's not all or nothing


Many people come into the new year thinking that they must stick to their resolution 100%, or drop it like it never existed.  This is only setting yourself up for failure!  If your resolution is to eat healthier, but you forget and have a candy bar the first week, it's not the end!  You can slip up and still stick to your resolution overall.  Just keep going and try harder next time. :)

3. It's gotta be you!


It's much harder to stick to a resolution that isn't even "you."  If you are an avid book reader and you make a resolution to play video games every day for a whole year, it might not work out.  BUT, if you are an avid book reader and make a resolution to read 50 books in a year, it will probably be a fun challenge.  When you are making your resolutions, think of things that you actually want to do and would do - not just things that everybody else thinks you should do, or that even you think you should do but don't really want to.  You'll be happier and more fulfilled in the end when you do it for you.


4. Make a plan


If you make a resolution to spend more time with your significant other, plan it out!  If you both work and go to school during the week, and don't make an effort to change how often you spend time together, things will stay exactly the same.  You won't magically start seeing more of each other just because you made a resolution.  The resolution is your goal, and you have to figure out how to make it work!  Try planning your work schedules accordingly or freeing up nights from schoolwork by managing your time differently.  Do SOMETHING.  Plan it out, or it won't happen.

Same for the workout scenario - if you are trying to work out 3 times every week but you are just going with the flow and can't seem to find time, start PLANNING when you will do your workouts, and you'll be able to find time!

Being passive will not help you stick to your resolutions, but planning ahead of time will.


5. Enjoy it


Again with the 3x/week workout scenario - if you are trying to force yourself to do something that you absolutely hate 3 times a week, you probably aren't going to stick with it for very long.  You might hate running, but maybe you love hiking.  Instead of forcing yourself to run 3 times a week, try to go for a hike 3 times a week instead!  Making your resolutions into something you actually enjoy can help you stick with them in the long run.

Do you have any other tips for sticking to New Year's Resolutions? What are they, and what are your resolutions?!  I'd love to know!

XO,
HannahCarol

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