How to Stick to Your New Year Resolutions
Have you ever thought about why some people seem to succeed at keeping their resolutions and reaching their goals while others fail miserably? Is it really a matter of willpower or something else?
Many studies show that around 50% of the population fails to achieve their long-term health and fitness goals. This is despite repeated attempts to change behaviors and routines.
It seems that our habits play a huge role in shaping our daily lives. The fact that we repeat the same behaviors day after day, hour after hour, might explain why some people manage to stick to their dietary plans, whereas others flounder.
How to Stick to New Year Resolutions
If you want to succeed in achieving your personal goals, you need to understand how habits work. Then you can use this knowledge to develop better strategies for breaking bad ones.
How to Stick to Your New Year Resolutions
1. Stop comparing yourself with others – it creates stress and insecurity
Do you find yourself constantly comparing yourself to other people who are doing well? Do you think “My body looks great today but I’ll never look like her” or “I don’t have any time because she has so much free time”? How would you feel if you were to compare yourself to someone whom you admire? It will make you feel insecure and depressed. You may even feel guilty about this.
We should only compare ourselves against the past and not against anyone else. We each have unique qualities and abilities which set us apart from everyone else.
2. Don’t try to force yourself – take small steps
Don’t expect yourself to follow certain rules every single week. Instead, focus on making smaller changes over longer periods of time. For example, instead of restricting your calorie intake by 500 calories per day for two weeks straight, reduce these numbers slowly over four to five days. Another good strategy is to incorporate small amounts into your everyday routine. So instead of having a large salad for lunch, have just one piece of fruit. Or replace a cookie with an apple slice. These small changes add up.
3. Get help when needed – you won’t be alone
Sticking to a resolution doesn’t happen all by itself. If you start feeling frustrated or anxious you need to get professional help. Getting support from family members and friends shouldn’t distract you from your main goal. Talking out your worries with a close friend, counselor or therapist will allow you to share information and experiences. They will also listen to your concerns and offer solutions. These professionals can provide practical advice on how to overcome obstacles.
4. Reward successes – keep going
When you meet your goals, reward yourself with small gifts such as a new pair of sneakers, an iPhone 6s case, or even a bottle of wine. Remember, no one likes being criticized, so avoid giving negative feedback. Let your loved ones know what you’ve accomplished and let them help you celebrate your success.
