If you’re like me, or—well—basically any other human who has set New Year’s resolutions… you’ve probably all too familiar with that, “Welp. Guess that isn’t gonna work” feeling. One day, for whatever reason, you literally and/or figuratively throw your hands in the air and say, “Forget it. This can wait.” Or, worse—“I can’t do this.”
If you can relate, you’re not alone. In fact, a recent study from Inside Out Mastery found that of the approximately 38.5% of US adults who set new year’s resolutions, only 9% actually see their resolutions to fruition—with 23% quitting by the end of the first week, and a whopping 43% of people anticipating failure by February.
The truth is—there’s no single factor that contributes to falling short on our resolutions. In fact, just the opposite. It’s the culmination of many things, and for that reason alone, it’s incredibly overwhelming.
Fortunately, there are tactics you can use to give yourself the best shot at success. Here are five ways to make this year’s resolutions work for you.
1. Don’t be afraid to try new things.
Here’s a hard pill to swallow: If what you were already doing was working, this goal probably wouldn’t exist. I know—ouch. It’s a harsh reality for all of us. Luckily, there are so many small ways to change your day-to-day and make a big difference.
Whether you’re revamping your diet and exercise routine or going for that promotion at work, challenge yourself to be open to new experiences. Ask yourself: What is something you’ve been afraid to try? Then, allow yourself grace as you step out of your comfort zone.
Try that weird-looking fruit. Take that dance class. Set up that meeting. Each and every small step toward your goal makes a difference, and you might even find some new hobbies and habits along the way.
2. Make it work for YOUR schedule (and budget).
If you’re going to achieve your goals, they must be attainable. After all, why set yourself up for failure? As you consider your resolutions for the year, take into account what you have to offer. Do you have enough time to devote? Is it affordable? Accessible?
Even if your goal seems to be out of reach, you can likely make progress in unexpected ways. For example, let’s say your goal is to exercise 4x/week, but your schedule is jam-packed and there isn’t an affordable gym nearby. Rather than putting your fitness goals on the backburner, consider new ways to work toward your goal. Maybe that means taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or even better, carving out time for at-home, virtual fitness sessions.
The bottom line is, in order to stick to your resolutions, you’ll need to get creative and find ways to make your goals work with your schedule and your budget—otherwise, you’re just setting yourself up for failure.
3. Track your progress.
In addition to reminding you where you started, tracking your progress is a great way to build motivation. After all, keeping a record of your efforts allows you to create and build upon streaks of new, habit-building behaviors.
For example, if you’ve set a resolution to eat clean, whole foods—sure, that pizza will still sound amazing, but you’ll have to consider whether or not it’s worth breaking your healthy eating streak. Keeping tabs on your progress helps you stay focused on your goals and allows you to reflect every step of the way.
Contrary to some beliefs, tracking your progress doesn’t have to be a daunting task in and of itself. If the idea of logging calories or counting your minutes on the treadmill feels too constricting—or too much like a chore—it probably is. Find a tracking method that works for you and your needs. It can be as simple as taking monthly photos to see your fitness progress, or adding a checkmark on the calendar for every day you drink eight or more glasses of water.
4. Reframe your mindset.
You might slip up. Mistakes happen. We’re human. The most important thing to remember is that every day is a new day, and slip-ups don’t have to completely derail your progress. Celebrate your progress, even if it isn’t always perfect. What are you doing better than you were before? What results are you seeing? How do you feel?
Remember not to be overly critical of yourself. Making changes in our lifestyles and habits takes time, and you have the opportunity—every single day—to start over. No matter how many times you fall, you have the choice to pick yourself back up and continue building your best life.
5. Enjoy the journey.
Last, but certainly not least, it’s crucial to find ways to enjoy the ride. If you hate running, take a Zumba class. Not a fan of salads? Try green juices. Need to stop eating out so much? Find new, exciting recipes to make at home.
Regardless of what your resolution is, the simple fact is that you’ll be less likely to succeed if it feels like a chore. By finding new habits and hobbies, you can not only achieve your goals, but have a great time doing it.
Perhaps part of your journey includes rewarding your own good behaviors. Not every goal needs to be all or nothing; some can thrive in moderation. For example, if your resolution is to tame your sweet tooth, consider breaking your goal down into more manageable chunks of time. Made it through the week without any treats? Don’t think of it as a failure if you celebrate with a cookie. You earned it!
Need some help with making this year’s resolutions stick?
Meet a Personalizer—a wellness and beauty expert—to help you stay on-track with your goals. From virtual fitness classes and skincare tutorials to meditation and mindfulness, there’s a TAMMIRA Personalizer ready to be your accountabili-buddy every step of the way.
Let’s make this year count.
Resources:
Mick. (2022, December 27). 19 mind-blowing New Year's resolution statistics (2023). Insideout Mastery. Retrieved January 5, 2023, from https://insideoutmastery.com/new-years-resolution-statistics/#:~:text=Every%20year%2C%2038%2C5%25,studies%20over%20the%20past%20years.
