As January approaches, it is the time of year when individuals begin formulating New Year’s resolutions. Although expressions such as “new year, new me” increase, most individuals fail to keep their resolutions.
However, establishing plans and affirmations remains an excellent practice. It is estimated that around 54% of the population will have made a New Year’s resolution this coming year. A quarter of these objectives will likely be centered on health, followed by money and family.
The long-standing resolutions to “join a gym” or “get in shape” are expected to reemerge in 2024 since health and wellness are trendy this year. Yet, such expansive objectives increase the likelihood of failing when your passion wanes, and you finally abandon your new commitment. Slip-ups are natural, but if you identify and prepare your New Year’s resolution, you are more likely to keep it.
Having a health-related resolution is beneficial, but finding the drive to maintain it throughout the year is challenging. So, here are five recommendations to help you maintain your New Year’s commitment beyond January!
#1 Assess your values
If you comprehend the reason for your New Year’s resolution, you will be more successful at keeping it. Assessing what inspires you to maintain your yearly objective is a smart method. Are you inherently motivated and so driven by internal incentives? Or are you primarily motivated by external rewards? Internally inspired New Year’s resolutions are more durable than externally prompted ones.
For instance, if your New Year’s objective is to lose 15 pounds to be beach-ready for the summer, as soon as you achieve this target in July, your drive will drop for the remainder of the year. This is because your resolution is driven by the external motivation of losing weight for a summer beach body; however, if you resolve to lose 15 pounds by summer for a healthier body and heart, your internal motivation of a better quality of life will motivate you to keep that weight off for the entire year, as opposed to regaining it after your beach vacation.
#2 Be concise
After evaluating your motives for your New Year’s resolutions, ensure that you do not set too many objectives and that they are not too broad. For instance, objectives such as “reduce weight” are ineffective since specificity is the key to a successful resolution. If your objective is to lose 20 pounds, you may monitor your success by planning and evaluating your monthly progress. In addition, if you focus on one objective at a time, you won’t feel overwhelmed, and your motivation will remain consistent throughout the year.
#3 Consider different resolutions
If your New Year’s resolution is the same every year, such as giving up a vice or losing weight, yet you seldom achieve your objective, it may be time to alter your plan. If you’re having difficulty giving up something, why not strive to do more? Instead of “giving up chocolate,” which only lasts two months, why not “attempt to smile more” or “try to express gratitude more”? If you apply tiny adjustments that have a good impact, such as feeling happier and more thankful, your goal may be more sustainable.
#4 Start small
If your objective is to make a significant change, such as “be able to run 10k,” but you can’t even run a bath, start small and create your new habit. If you wish to begin running, adopt a similar approach as the ‘Couch to 5K’ program. In such routines, you begin with walking, progress to jogging, and then to running, but only after building your stamina by training over varying distances and time intervals. As a result of the impossibility of running even 5K or 10K, your drive may diminish if you do not run frequently. If you outline your goal and start modestly, you will likely maintain it over the year.
#5 Get assistance
If your objective is difficult, such as quitting a lifelong habit such as smoking or vaping, do not hesitate to seek assistance from friends, family, and external professionals. If you make a mistake, though, remind yourself that it is quite natural to do so, and don’t let it hinder your growth.
Find a friend with expertise in the sport or gym skill (e.g., weightlifting) you wish to try if you are a beginner and your objective is to exercise. Especially if it is your first time exercising at a gym, you may feel awkward since it is unnatural. For instance, you may not know how to squat a specific weight or utilize certain equipment. You will be more encouraged to continue your new pastime throughout the year if you seek encouragement or locate a friend who will participate with you regularly.