An average of eight percent of people keep their New Year’s resolutions. Usually, these resolutions consist of dramatic, unsustainable life changes that shock individuals’ lifestyle and are unsustainable. Here are some tips to help choose, plan and maintain New Year’s resolutions for the upcoming year.
Some of the most common resolutions include losing weight, gaining fitness, eating healthier and getting organized. PV students voiced their own New Year’s resolutions, which included “meditating five minutes every day” for Maddie Hamborg, “working out more” for Emma Irons and “getting into my dream school” for Alex Thorne.
While these are all great ideas to improve quality of life and productivity as students, planning is crucial in making sure these changes are conserved. These resolutions may be achieved when starting small, rather than diving into a completely new lifestyle.
The American Psychology Association (APA) emphasized the true value of maintaining a resolution for the new year. “It is important to remember that the New Year isn’t meant to serve as a catalyst for sweeping character changes,” said the APA “It is a time for people to reflect on their past year’s behavior and promise to make positive lifestyle changes.”
In addition to starting small, adding a little bit more or changing something new may lead to an attainable goal. For example, if one is trying to eat healthier, incorporating one more fruit or vegetables into meals with each additional week will aid in preventing the consumption of several processed foods.
However, it must be noted that one mess-up will not result in complete failure; each day serves as a new start, a new opportunity to try again towards fulfilling a desired lifestyle.
Despite new beginnings, in order to attain a goal, people must hold themselves accountable for their actions. Consistency is key in the formation of a new habit. While most people think 21 days is how long it takes to develop a new habit, in developing a new habit, the true number of days can vary, but is usually around 66 days.
This journey does not have to be done solo. To ensure one is sticking to a goal, an accountability partner may serve as an assistant, checking in on a daily or weekly basis.Others may benefit from a journal where they are able to record daily progress, serving as a huge motivator to continue on their journey.
Through a hectic life, it may be difficult to find the time and energy to make these changes in one’s life. If this is the case, it may be time to reconsider the resolution, as people are generally able to make time for their passions and priorities.
Motivation can be one of the hardest things about maintaining a New Year’s resolution. However, by looking around, it can truly be found in many places. Friends and family are an easy place to start, since they are almost always willing to support.
Additionally, music, quotes and books can be inspirational for some. Rewarding oneself for small checkpoints in the progression to the ultimate goal can help continue positive changes. But, the best part of a New Year’s resolution is seeing how much life can truly benefits from maintaining these new habits.
As the new year approaches, many will resolve to make 2020 their best one yet. Using these tips to help form new lifelong habits can make changes to one’s life for the better.
