SMART New Year’s Resolutions
How to Make – and Keep – Your New Year’s Resolutions
It’s that time again…to make our New Year’s Resolutions. We all know that January is the time of year when people commit to healthier habits. While many people say they are overrated, New Year’s resolutions can help you set your intentions and goals for the upcoming season. As we complete the intense season of merry-making, gift-giving, and gift-returning, one more holiday tradition will remain: pondering those pesky New Year’s Resolutions. It’s probably fitting that after a season of indulgence (financial and/or caloric), we resolve to change our habits in the New Year. Lose ten pounds! Exercise 5 times a week! Save more money!
The new year is a time of reflection for many. This introspection is a significant first step toward selecting a New Year’s resolution to help you grow. Many New Year’s resolutions fail by mid-February due to a lack of self-discipline, with 1in 5 people sticking with them all year. Setting yourself up for success when choosing a resolution is important.
To increase your odds of success, begin by asking yourself why your goals matter. Regardless of what you choose as your resolution, make sure it’s a “SMART” goal -one that is specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely- to increase the odds that you will stick to it.
Here’s What That Means:
- Specific – A specific goal is simple and strategic. For example, instead of saying you’ll eat healthier, specify how, like cooking breakfast daily or eating fish twice a week.
- Measurable – A measurable goal is quantified so you can track progress, like saving $1,500 for an emergency fund or a home down payment.
- Achievable – Celebrate small wins daily; they can snowball into bigger changes. For instance, better sleep can boost your energy.
- Relevant – Set goals that matter and make sense for your life. Reflect on what’s working and choose the right timing to tackle your resolution.
- Timely – Set a specific time frame to complete your goal. Adjust deadlines as needed, and build accountability with a friend, family member, or coach.
Visualize your success. Imagine your future self. Crystalize a vision of you at your ideal wellness, embracing your “best self”. Rediscover a fresh start to embrace new possibilities, a chance to align your personal and professional goals with your overall well-being, and a moment to connect with your spiritual side, setting your intentions for the year ahead, going beyond a calendar change. Step into your future self with symbolic renewal on all levels of your life- physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
Be compassionate with yourself, it is important to have flexibility to adjust as needed. Life happens, whether it’s an illness, family commitments, or unplanned setbacks. Many people abandon their resolutions because they don’t consider obstacles, which can lead to frustration and burnout. Life rarely goes as planned, so think about potential barriers in advance. Having a backup plan helps you stay consistent. Adopt barriers, take control, and move forward with what you can. Always remind yourself of your “why”.