5 Tips to Make Your New Year’s Resolutions Stick (2024)

May 2019 EXPAT CULTURE

A new year is always a great opportunity to start fresh and make your goals happen; to get inspired and make changes to your lifestyle for the better.

New Year’s resolutions can vary greatly, but they are all about achieving something that will have a positive impact in your life.

Whatever your goal is – the important thing is that you are on the right path to achieve it. Read through these tips to help you stick to your New Year resolutions and maximize your chances of not giving up.

1. Start with small goals

You may be feeling motivated and excited about your goal, but don’t let your ambition lead you to unattainable levels. If you want to try a new activity, don’t commit yourself to 5 times a week – start slowly and consistently so that your body gets used to it, and build from there. Giving yourself the ability to meet your goal in small steps can help you avoid discouragement along the way.

2. Make it measurable

For your goal to be attainable, it’s important that you make it specific and measurable. For example, if you want to exercise more, set the amount of time you want this to be: 30 minutes a day, 4 times a week; or if you want to lose weight, make sure you know exactly what healthy weight figure you want to achieve. By assigning a measurement, you are specifying what goal success looks like.

To help you keep track of your progress, you can use an activity tracker where you can log your food intake and exercise.

3. Be realistic

Set your goals according to your lifestyle and with what you will be able to achieve, otherwise you might lose your motivation. Be honest to yourself and be sure to consider the resources and time you have available to help you meet your goals.

4. Make a plan

So you know what you want to accomplish, but make sure you also determine the when, where, and why of your vision – that way you can establish an action plan and set yourself on the right path to achieve your goal.

5. Stay positive

It can be difficult to make changes in your life, but focusing on the negative side will only discourage you. Try not to think about how tired you will feel after a session at the gym, or how much stress it may cause you if you stop smoking – believe in your goal and try to constantly remind yourself of the benefits and the impact it will have on your life. Focusing on the positives will help you stick to your resolution and make it happen.

Sources: Based on information fromFitbit.

5 Tips to Make Your New Year’s Resolutions Stick (2024)

FAQs

5 Tips to Make Your New Year’s Resolutions Stick? ›

What are the most common New Year's resolutions? According to a survey done by Statista, more than half of Americans make goals related to weight loss or eating habits each year. Another large percentage of respondents set career or financial goals.

How to make your new year's resolution stick? ›

7 tips to keep your New Year's resolution
  1. Be picky about your resolutions. ...
  2. Plan your resolution. ...
  3. Set very specific goals. ...
  4. Choose a new resolution. ...
  5. Give your resolution time to become a habit. ...
  6. UC Davis Health classes to help you accomplish your New Year's resolution. ...
  7. Health and wellness New Year's resolution ideas.
Dec 28, 2022

How do you answer what is your New Year resolution? ›

New year resolution ideas
  • Resolution #1: Find a new job. The most common new year resolution is to find a new job. ...
  • Resolution #2: Learn a new skill. ...
  • Resolution #3: Improve your mental health and wellbeing. ...
  • Resolution #4: Trial various approaches to work-life balance. ...
  • Resolution #5: Improve your time management.

How to make good New Year resolutions? ›

Our eight rules for New Year resolutions will help to set you up for success right from the start.
  1. Rule 1: Commit to Your Resolution. ...
  2. Rule 2: Be Realistic. ...
  3. Rule 3: Write It Down. ...
  4. Rule 4: Make a Plan. ...
  5. Rule 5: Be Flexible. ...
  6. Rule 6: Use Reminders. ...
  7. Rule 7: Track Progress. ...
  8. Rule 8: Reward Yourself.

How do you stick to your goals in the new year? ›

New Year's Goal Setting Tips
  1. Write goals down and review them periodically. ...
  2. Create goals for different areas of your life. ...
  3. Set goals that are realistic and attainable. ...
  4. Make goals that are measurable. ...
  5. Design goals that can be accomplished with a partner. ...
  6. Reward yourself for achieving your goals.

How to make a new resolution stick? ›

Wise Choices
  1. Set realistic goals.
  2. Plan for obstacles.
  3. Track your progress.
  4. Get help.
  5. Reward yourself.
  6. Add variety.

How to stick to your goals? ›

7 tips for sticking to your goals
  1. Be realistic. Simplicity is key. ...
  2. Set clear goals. Lots of people say they'd like to “get fit” or “lose weight”. ...
  3. Partner up. ...
  4. Sign up for a mid-year event. ...
  5. Understand what it takes to make and break a habit. ...
  6. Find what you enjoy. ...
  7. Be kind to yourself.

What are 10 resolutions? ›

Here are 10 achievable resolutions for students looking to have a productive and enjoyable new year.
  • Create a Better Work-Life Balance. ...
  • Practice Healthy Habits. ...
  • Get More Sleep. ...
  • Limit Your Coffee Intake. ...
  • Attend a Networking Event. ...
  • Find a Job or Internship Opportunity. ...
  • Don't Procrastinate.

What is the #1 New Year's resolution? ›

What are the most common New Year's resolutions? According to a survey done by Statista, more than half of Americans make goals related to weight loss or eating habits each year. Another large percentage of respondents set career or financial goals.

What is a good New Year's resolution questions? ›

5 Questions To Ask Before Creating A New Years Resolution
  • How ready am I to make this particular change?
  • What steps will making this particular change involve?
  • What are the costs and benefits of making this change?
  • What would my life be like if I were to make this change?

What are the 5 key elements that are needed for a good resolution? ›

Essential Elements of a good Resolution
  • Achievable. Make sure the proposed resolution is not too good to be true, meaning it should fit in with reality and must be based on facts not hopes or wishes. ...
  • Satisfying. ...
  • Inclusive. ...
  • Balanced.
Sep 16, 2021

What are the most successful New Year's resolutions? ›

Top 10 Most Common New Year's Resolutions (and How to Follow Through on Them)
  • Exercise more.
  • Lose weight.
  • Get organized.
  • Learn a new skill or hobby.
  • Live life to the fullest.
  • Save more money / spend less money.
  • Quit smoking.
  • Spend more time with family and friends.

Why do most resolutions fail? ›

Common resolutions include exercising more, losing weight or saving money, and Shah says that with these, people tend to go too hard, too quickly, instead of taking small steps. He explains that the number one reason people may give up is because their goals are unachievable or idealistic.

How to make new year resolutions stick? ›

Read through these tips to help you stick to your New Year resolutions and maximize your chances of not giving up.
  1. Start with small goals. You may be feeling motivated and excited about your goal, but don't let your ambition lead you to unattainable levels. ...
  2. Make it measurable. ...
  3. Be realistic. ...
  4. Make a plan. ...
  5. Stay positive.

How to make the best of the new year? ›

  1. Make time for family. getty images. ...
  2. Build a better budget. Axel Bueckert / EyeEm//Getty Images. ...
  3. Practice mindfulness. Oscar Wong//Getty Images. ...
  4. Cook something new each week. Westend61//Getty Images. ...
  5. Read more books. ...
  6. Create a cleaning schedule you'll stick to. ...
  7. Drink less alcohol. ...
  8. Commit to a healthier sleep routine.
Dec 30, 2023

How can New Year resolutions be consistent? ›

10 Tips to Help You Keep Your New Year's Resolution
  1. Be Realistic. The surest way to fall short of your goal is to make your goal unattainable. ...
  2. Plan Ahead. Don't make your resolution on New Year's Eve. ...
  3. Outline Your Plan. ...
  4. Make a “Pros” and “Cons” List. ...
  5. Talk About It. ...
  6. Reward Yourself. ...
  7. Track Your Progress. ...
  8. Don't Beat Yourself Up.

Why don t New Year's resolutions stick? ›

Why aren't we more successful at keeping our New Year's resolutions? Some reasons include the idea that we're thinking too big, we're not considering the 'why' behind them, and the fact that we may not be ready for change.

How do you manifest New Year's resolution? ›

6 Steps to Manifest Your New Year's Resolutions (No, Really)
  1. Identify your "Why" ...
  2. Set up your environment for success. ...
  3. Be flexible. ...
  4. Think, act, dress, and feel like you've already achieved it. ...
  5. Feel whole where you are now. ...
  6. Invest in your resolutions.
Dec 22, 2023

What's the easiest way to keep your New Year's resolution to read more? ›

How to Keep Your New Year's Resolution to Read More
  • Schedule Your Reading Time. ...
  • Don't Overschedule Your Weekends. ...
  • Get Up Earlier. ...
  • Listen to Books. ...
  • Set a Goal, but Not a Numerical One. ...
  • Read on Your Smartphone. ...
  • Read Several Books at Once. ...
  • Don't Force Yourself to Finish Good Books.
Feb 14, 2018

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