Resolutions for self-improvement at the start of a new year are a common American tradition. All too often, however, our resolutions don’t make it through the Spring. Here are some TotalWellness tips to help you stick to your New Year’s Resolutions and become the “New You” you’d like to see in 2015.
Tip #1: Register Early
If you plan to run a race, compete in a triathlon or participate in any big event in 2015, try to register early! If you commit yourself to the event early, it will be much harder to lose motivation because you’ve already locked yourself in (and likely paid a registration fee). The prices usually increase as the event gets closer, so you'll probably save a little money as well!
Tip #2: Go Public
No matter what your goals for the year are, spread the word. You can post on social media, announce to family and friends or even tell your co-workers. This public attention puts the pressure on to follow through and reach the goals you’ve made for the new year.
Tip #3: Build a Support System
Gathering support as you tackle resolutions is essential in staying motivated. You can join a club, find a partner to take on your goals with or utilize support systems you already have (i.e. family and friends). This external support not only keeps the pressure on, but can help to pick you back up and set you on the right path if you start to stray from the resolutions you’ve made.
Tip #4: Reward Yourself
Rewarding yourself goes hand in hand with not punishing yourself. New Year’s Resolutions are meant to instill long-term change. By rewarding yourself, you can associate positive feelings with the changes you’re making. Similarly, don’t punish yourself if you stray off course and try not to stress about achieving the goals you’ve made. When things get tough, remind yourself why you wanted to make the change and re-evaluate where you’re at.
Note: When you’re implementing rewards for a job well done, avoid rewarding yourself with something that is essentially a step backward. For example, if you’re hoping to eat a healthier diet, don’t reward yourself with junk food or a “cheat day.” Try to find other positive rewards like getting a massage, splurging on tickets to a game or event, or even taking a half-day off work to relax at home.
Tip #5: Be Prepared
Any major goal needs adequate preparation. Be sure to do some research, have any equipment you’ll need and get obvious barriers out of your way. For example, if you’d like to run a marathon, put together a training schedule and buy appropriate running shoes. Or, if you’d like to eat healthily, get the junk food out of the house.
Tip #6: Set Attainable Goals
Year-long resolutions can seem incredibly overwhelming. Tackle the big goals by setting smaller, short-term, attainable goals within the long-term resolutions. As you achieve each small goal, you’ll be one step closer to the ultimate goal of your resolution. This mindset will help you to avoid feeling discouraged. Each small goal you reach will be a mini version of the feeling of accomplishment you’ll have this time next year!
New Year’s Resolutions can be a great thing for personal development. They can also be overwhelming and leave us feeling disappointed if we don’t follow through. Take on your 2015 resolutions with confidence by using these TotalWellness tips.
What kind of resolutions will you be making (and sticking to!) this year?
