How to stick to your New Year’s Resolutions

The key to a fulfilling and successful 2016

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A good resolution for the upcoming year is to strive to stick to the resolutions you set!

2016 is just around the corner and you’re probably thinking about making some serious changes in your life, setting some goals, or improving yourself. Although these goals are personal, you’re definitely not alone. According to the Statistic Brain Research Institute, more than 45% of Americans make resolutions for the New Year. Many of those Americans are convinced that 2016 will be the year for them. Unfortunately, only 8% of those resolution-setting people manage to succeed.

So how does one actually become successful and stick to their resolutions? First, you should probably check to see if your resolution is reasonable and realistic.

Be Specific and Active

The best attainable goals are the ones that are specific and have an actual plan behind them.

Instead of just saying “exercise more”, make your resolution say, “go to the gym every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 6:00 p.m.”

Break your goal down into smaller steps that eventually lead up to what you want to accomplish. Write your goal down and visualize it. Be active.

Limit and Prioritize

Another way to make sure you stick to your resolution is to limit the number of resolutions that you set for yourself and make them something you truly want.

Don’t set a resolution because everyone else is doing it. Customize it to your own beliefs and values and make sure you really want it.

Also, don’t take on ten resolutions if you’re going to find yourself being overwhelmed. Stick to the two or three that really matter to you and focus all of your efforts on achieving those goals.

Change Your Habits

Another thing to keep in mind is that by setting resolutions, you’ll have to change some of your habits. It’s the whole point. And it might be painful.

So when you set that goal, be ready to sacrifice an hour or more of television time or mindlessly browsing the internet in order to work on your goals. Most resolutions don’t stick because people fail to recognize and change the habits that stop them from achieving them.

Forgive Yourself 

Lastly, don’t beat yourself up if you slip up on your goal a couple of times along the way. It’s completely normal and okay.

Don’t quit on your goal if you didn’t go to the gym for a week because you were busy or if you didn’t stick to the plan.

As long as you stay determined, pick yourself back up, refocus, and get back on track.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask others for support on your journey.

Keep your resolutions reasonable and realistic and something you really want to achieve. Allow yourself to mess up and learn from those mistakes. The new year is a perfect opportunity for a fresh start so get out there and make the most of it!