It’s Time to Set New Year Resolutions

At the end of every December, many like to do a mental recap on the things that they accomplished during the year. They also like to make a list of things that they potentially want to accomplish for the coming one. For decades people have been setting New Year Resolutions. Sometimes, our resolutions have to do with self-betterment and progression. Other times, they are more of the bucket-list nature and exist more as a checklist. Whatever they may be, it’s pretty common knowledge that a majority of resolutions are dropped not too long after they are made. In fact, various reports have shown that a majority of people who make new year’s resolutions drop them by the end of January these goals. So what’s the secret to making resolutions and committing to them? To help you achieve your resolutions, we’ve put together some tips for setting and keeping New Year’s resolutions.

Set Specific Goals

To begin with, avoid making generic resolutions. Generic resolutions are usually the first to go. When setting goals and resolutions for the coming year, make sure to be as specific as possible. Don’t say you want to lose weight; say how many pounds you want to lose by a specific date. If more exercise is the goal, then put a number on it. Decide how many days a week you will commit to exercise and how long each workout session will last.

Specific goals with numbers attached to them are much easier to track. The SMART goal-setting method is excellent to use when you are planning out your goals for the year. Using this method will allow you to set specific goals that are measurable, achievable, realistic, and time bound.

Take Your Time

Behaviors take time to develop. Setting too many resolutions at once can lead to not focusing on any and failing to keep even one. Work on one resolution at a time. This will allow you to change your behaviors accordingly and knock out each resolution one by one. Also, no one is expected to completely change from one day to another. New habits are difficult to break into. This is made even more difficult if you try to change several behaviors at once. Breaking your resolution down and taking smaller steps can help you keep and achieve them. You’ve got a whole year to work on your resolutions, it’s impossible to reach the end of each resolution within the first month of the year. Give yourself time.

Involve Others

A great way to stay motivated is to have close friends and family cheer you on. They can serve as a support system for you. It can even serve as a system of co-accountability, especially if you have the same goals as each other. Involving others will also help your other resolutions seem less intimidating. The support you receive doesn’t have to be limited to family either. Today’s online world makes it easy to find groups with similar goals and resolutions just like yours. You can join a group on Facebook or find classes and programs at your local Y. Your goal of living a healthier life, learning more, and being an active community member will be made much easier when you combine your efforts with like-minded individuals.

Stay Committed

At the beginning, it will be difficult. You might miss some days, forget some activities, or even just feel lazy about doing something on a particular day. The important thing is to remember why you started, and to not give up. Missing one day does not mean that the resolution is dead, it means that you missed one day. As time passes, each resolution and activity will become a little simpler. Exercising every day becomes a little less intense. Reading that book becomes a little more entertaining. Eating those greens become a part of your everyday routine.

At The Y, we want to help you make and keep your resolutions. We offer a variety of classes and programs for people of all ages. Whether you want to learn to swim, exercise more, or meet new people, The Y provides a place for you. Find the right program for you and your goals, then let us help you achieve them.