How to Commit to Your New Year’s Resolutions

On January 1, many of us set out to achieve one, or a list, of New Year’s Resolutions. Cut back on sugar, hit the gym, stay off social media, etc. However, we often find it much harder to stay committed to those resolutions than we thought. On paper they seem much easier to check off our list. We may start off great making it a month or two, but as the year continues it becomes easier to say, “Maybe next year.” Here are a few tips to remain committed to those not-so-easy resolutions.

Make Family Resolutions

When the entire family is involved, it is much easier to stay committed, and spending time together is important. Consider it as a family bucket list to check off for the 2019 year. It will be something fun for the entire family. Even if you can’t check off everything, making it a goal to do at least one, if not more, allows everyone in the family to be more determined to make it happen. Whether it’s costly or inexpensive, you will be able to budget and plan. Place each individual goal in a jar and let the kids “draw” what family resolution you will be working towards first. For example, no electronics at the dinner table.

Have an Accountability Partner

If you have personally made resolutions you are determined to achieve, choose someone who will make sure you stay on track. Someone who won’t forget. Someone who will keep you encouraged and motivated when you feel like giving up. When the tough gets going, they will be there for support, and you’ll be glad you had them there to help keep you on track.

Set Reasonable Goals

Often when we set a new resolution, we feel we must be all in or not at all. For example, many want to commit to joining the gym and going five days a week. Working out daily is wonderful, but if we have been out of the habit of exercise for quite some time then making it to the gym everyday of the week might be a bit more challenging. Start with two to three days. Then once you are back in a routine, it will be easier to add to those days. With the busyness of kids, work and family, if we find making it every day is too hard it’s easier to give up completely. When we start with a smaller goal, it allows us more flexibility starting out to see what days and times work best with our lifestyles. It is also easier to commit for a month at a time starting out, regardless of the resolution you have set. Think a month at a time rather than a full year.

Mix Things Up

Many times, we start out with the same resolutions year after year. Sometimes we do great and commit to it the following year. Other times not so much. If those resolutions have been challenging, it is easy to start the year off feeling discouraged over something we haven’t even started yet. Why not come up with new resolutions each year? Make a list of resolutions you have never made before. You are sure to find some excitement of trying something new and finding more determination in doing so.

Reward Yourself

No matter how big or small our resolutions are, we should be proud when we stick to them. Keep track of every day you have been successful. You may write in a calendar or tally mark on a notepad. Then decide on a timeframe that will keep you motivated. For example, every two months of succeeding at this resolution you’ll treat yourself to a new pair of shoes or an ice cream sundae. You can also treat yourself at the end of the year to something bigger you have been wanting. Just a fun way to keep you motivated and encouraged as you are trying to stay on track with your resolutions.