The new year is a fresh start. And most of us take advantage of it by resolving to make some changes after January 1st. That could be eating healthier, spending more time with friends and family, reading more, doing yoga, or something else entirely. But regardless, you know that making new year’s resolutions is the easy part. Keeping them is much harder.
But we can help! We’ve rounded up a handful of useful, scientifically backed tips that can help you stick to your new year’s resolutions in 2019. Let’s do it!
Make a plan.
If you’re a dreamer or a reacher, you’ve probably set a major resolution or two for yourself. That’s awesome – and daunting. Looking at your big picture goal can be motivating, but it can also be challenging to see how you’re going to get yourself there from where you are now.
The key is having a plan. Instead of saying, “I’m going to lose 20 pounds,” say, “I’m going to lose two pounds a month.” And don’t stop there, either. Plan it out, saying something like, “I’m going to lose two pounds a month by visiting the gym three times a week and making a green smoothie every morning.”
Similarly, it’s great to say, “I’m going to work on my mental health.” But what does that mean? Instead, set tangible goals that are easy to measure, like, “I will find a therapist who gets me” or “I will go to yoga once a week.”
Get support.
It’s hard to go it alone. Support and accountability can make all the difference. The easiest way to build this in is to find a friend or family member with a similar resolution. Make it a point to check in a couple times a week. Seeing someone else’s progress can be motivating, plus knowing you’re going to have to report your own progress builds in accountability, helping you stay the course.
Similarly, support yourself. Post your resolution where it will be most helpful to see it, like on your work computer or next to your bathroom mirror. The visual reminder can help you stay strong and focused.
Celebrate!
Remember how we talked about breaking big resolutions into small steps? This comes in handy here. The trick to keeping yourself motivated all year long is celebrating your successes along the way. If you cut back to one cup of coffee, ran twice this week, got through the first chapter of your book, or took another meaningful step towards your new year’s resolutions, celebrate!
You could schedule a fun dinner with friends. Or take yourself to the movies. Or put a gold sticker up wherever you have your resolution posted. Celebrate in a way that will make you feel like you’re doing a great job – because you are!
Kudos to you for making new year’s resolutions. They show that you want to improve yourself and your life! If you want help shifting your life so you can be your happiest, healthiest self, the Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center is here. Call, email, or text us to get started with one of our dedicated therapists.
