7 Tips for Setting Your New Year’s Resolutions

With the New Year comes New Year’s resolutions. And as well-meaning and energized we are about improving ourselves in the new year, data shows approximately 80% of us give up on these goals by the second week in February. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make New Year’s Resolutions! They key is making realistic goals that you actually care about. Below are seven tips and tricks for creating resolutions that will turn into lifestyle changes.

1. Have a “why”

This may seem obvious, but making changes can be hard (especially in the beginning), and if you don’t have a reason for changing, it can be pretty hard to stick with it. The most important thing is that the “why” is personal to you – just because you know something should change, if you don’t truly care about making that change you likely won’t stick with it. This “why” can be a range of things, but the key should be that making the change will improve your life in a meaningful way.

2. Break one big goal into smaller attainable goals

Once you have a goal in mind, the next step is to break that big goal into a couple (or bunch) of smaller goals that are clearly defined and realistic. While it’s great to say “I want to lose 50 pounds,” that goal on its own is not only intimidating, but it also doesn’t give you much direction for how to get there. Instead, think about what you’d need to change in order to lose the weight – and be specific! Yes, to lose weight generally we need to move more and eat healthier, but what’s specific to you? Think of something simple and measurable. For example, if you want to lose weight and you currently drink soda three times a day, a goal for could be to drink just one soda per day for the next month.

3. Have a plan

How often do you skip out on work or appointments? Likely not often. And we generally have a plan for when we need to leave the house, how long it’ll take to get there, and what we need to bring. Treat your resolutions the same way. If your resolution is to go to bed at 9pm, think through all the steps needed to wind down and get yourself into bed by then. Or if it’s to work out in the morning two days/week, make a plan by putting it on the calendar and setting out your gym bag the night before.

4. And then make a backup plan

As much as we try, life doesn’t always go according to plan and these times are when it’s easiest to get off course. Being flexible with your plan and having backup options will help keep the stress away. And if you do slip up, use that opportunity to see what got in the way of achieving your goal and how to adjust the plan so that its less likely to happen again.

5. Forget perfection

Even if you have a realistic goal that’s broken down into smaller, achievable ones and have a plan (and backup plan) in place, you may still slip up. And that’s okay. By forgiving yourself and moving on you’ll be able to continue with your goals rather than feeling like a failure and giving up on them completely.

6. Celebrate small achievements

Everyone likes a reason to celebrate, and while you should definitely be proud when you reach that ultimate goal, celebrating the small victories is just, if not more important. Whether it’s treating yourself to a cup of coffee from your favorite coffee shop or buying those pair of shoes you’ve been eyeing after reaching one of your smaller goals, positive reinforcement can help us stay on track and provide a much-deserved confidence boost.

7. Don’t overwhelm yourself with too many changes all at once

Keeping on with the realistic theme, it’s important not to set so many goals that we feel overwhelmed and just shut down. Yes, you may have a couple things you want to work on, but focus on getting in a rhythm with one before adding another.

The most important thing you can do is to start your new year with a plan, and remember that accomplishments – no matter how small – should be celebrated and something to be proud of!