Six Tips for Sticking to Your New Year’s Resolution

January 2024

As we head into the new year, we are often faced with 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.

There is nothing wrong with setting goals and trying to better yourself, but whether it’s to lose weight, eat healthier or get organized, we have all likely gone about New Year’s resolutions in the wrong manner.

With 2024 upon us, here are a few tips to get the most out of your New Year’s resolutions and to see better results.

1. Start Small – If your goal is to lose 50 pounds by 2025, you should commit to a healthier and more physically active lifestyle today than you had yesterday. Set a goal of taking a walk around the block and gradually build on it each day. The goal is to create a new habit so that it becomes routine.
2. Don’t Be Too Hard On Yourself – We’re all going to experience setbacks when we try to change daily habits, so don’t spend too much time dwelling on the negatives. Beating yourself up will not help you succeed. Move on to the next day and get back to your routine.
3. Consistency is Key – Healthline says a new habit can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days to form. Missing a day or two is always going to happen, but if you become steadily inconsistent, it can become easier to quit than to build yourself back up.
4. Celebrate Accomplishments – Whether they are big or small, you should always celebrate your victories when establishing a new habit. Give yourself a high-five or reward yourself with a new pair of walking shoes. However, try to make sure that the reward isn’t counterintuitive to your goals.
5. Remember Your Why – As with any goal, you should always be thinking about the reason why you are working towards this achievement. Are you losing weight to fit back into your favorite dress? Do you want to have better health to have more energy to spend with your kids? Your “why” can help drive you throughout the process.
6. Every Day is Different – Don’t go into this year with a yearly goal. Look at this more as a daily process, and each day can bring 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 do.

We hope these tips help you accomplish your goals, and best of luck in all your endeavors this new year!