It is an exciting time of year. A new slate. An opportunity to start from scratch and to make some changes. Every year January 1st arrives and we resolve to live healthier, commit to eating better, go to the gym more, tackle some bad habits, or even smile more. New Year's resolutions can be an essential part of our lives and serve as a self check-in for our physical and mental health and wellness.
Unfortunately, 80% of people will have lost momentum and motivation toward their 2023 goals by the end of February. Much of that statistic is due to the nature of the decision-making process. It’s not about what goals we set but how we set them.
That is why we want to share with you 6 tips for successful New Year’s Resolutions for 2023.
1. Be Realistic Make sure your resolution is attainable. Set smaller goals within your long-term resolution. For instance, resolving to NEVER eat your favorite food again is setting yourself up to fail. Instead, strive for a goal that is attainable, such as making your “guilty pleasure” a treat every once in a while.
2. Make a Plan
Set yourself up for success. Plan ahead to anticipate solutions for any roadblocks that may arise. You can only run a marathon or get out of debt with action steps that will help you get there.
3. Get Support The buddy system works! Having a solid support system will help you stay motivated and hold you accountable. Don’t keep your resolution a secret. Tell friends and family members who will be there to support your resolve to change yourself for the better or improve your health.
4. Take Small Steps Slow and steady wins the race. Taking small steps toward your goal increases the likelihood of long-term success.
5. Track your Progress Keeping track of your smaller successes and short-term goals will keep you motivated. You need to know if you're headed in the right direction. Use an app or a calendar to check off the days you work on your goal. Or create a chart, spreadsheet, or graph that helps you visualize your progress.
6. Keep Going By March most people have lost their motivation. It’s ok to reset and start over. Recommit for 24 hours. You can do anything for 24 hours! The 24-hour increments will soon build on each other and, before you know it, you will be back on track.
What are your new year's goals? Share them in the comments below.