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It’s that time of year again — the time when we all start thinking about what we’d like to do more of or be better at in the coming year. Did you know people have been setting New Year’s resolutions for more than 4,000 years! It’s assumed almost everyone has made a New Year’s resolution — and then broken it. It’s crazy, I know, but if you think about it, even if you fail, it’s a great way to kick off a new year. A resolution is technically something we choose to do, or not to do, but here are a few tips for how you can choose to keep those resolutions in 2020.
1. Make a List
Many people make lists on the daily. Whether it’s a to-do list or shopping list, we like to see things we need to do and what we’ve completed. It’s a visual thing. Sometimes just having something written down on paper helps you stick to it. It also makes it more real. So write out your resolutions on paper or even better get fancy and frame them! But even without a frame, put it somewhere you’ll see it every day so you are reminded of what you resolved to do.
2. Choose The Right Resolutions
The top three resolutions most years are related to health and fitness, but does that work for you? It might, but it might not. Don’t feel like you have to pick a resolution based on what everyone else is doing or usually does. Be original. Stay true to you and choose a resolution that really matters to you. If you can really get behind something, you’ll have better success with accomplishing it!
3. Try Mini-Goals
Mini goals or mini resolutions are a great way to reach a big goal with baby steps! It alleviates the making of a larger, terrifying and daunting resolution and instead breaks it up to make it more manageable. Mini goals are easier and typically require less time. Try to set a smaller goal for each month and by the time you complete all 12 months, you’ll have achieved that giant goal you weren’t quite sure you could take on in January. Setting mini-goals will help you accomplish resolutions in a more incremental way and stay on track all year long!
4. Have a Buddy
Accountability is a huge part of forging through tough times and keeping our resolutions in the New Year. Doing it on your own can be hard. But you don’t have to do it all by yourself. Find a friend who has the same goals for the year or similar ones who can keep you motivated when times get tough. Even telling someone your resolutions can keep you accountable. They can ask you how things are going and understand when you need a little pick me up or break. It’s always more fun to do things with friends, and New Year’s resolutions are no different.
5. Reward Yourself
Everyone does better with a reward dangling in front of them. Rewards make us all feel good. Maybe if you are working on your food intake, you have a cheat day if you can get through two weeks of staying on track. Perhaps if you resolved to journal every day, once you’ve done it for a month, treat yourself with a cool new pen! If you were trying to give up those coffee shop visits to save more money, treat yourself to one cup of coffee if you stuck to it for 15 days in a row! Once you’ve completed a resolution, no matter how big or small, rewards can continue to help us move towards our goals. It keeps us motivated and reminds us that we are doing a good job.
No matter how it goes this coming year, just do your best. Do what works for you and if you need help sticking to something, make sure to ask for help. Just choosing to embrace change or taking on new challenges in the New Year is a huge step for a lot of people and we believe in you! Wishing you the best success in your resolutions and a wonderful 2020!