How to Keep a New Year’s Resolution

One of the only things more reliable than the coming of a new year is the flood of people wondering how to keep a new year’s resolution or how to make effective new year’s resolutions. Most people aim to make new year’s resolutions due to the “fresh start effect” of a new year. You make plans to eat healthy, go to the gym every day… but somewhere along the line, life happens, and those firm resolutions become next year’s problem. 

So, how long does the average person keep their New Year’s resolution?  Usually, about a month. Approximately 80% of people give up on their resolutions by the first week of February. Planning your resolutions and goals properly can stop this from happening.

If you’re looking for the answer to how to make your new year’s resolution stick, we have the tips you need to make 2021’s goals a reality.

How to make effective new year’s resolutions

Sticking to new year’s resolutions can all depend on how you make those goals. Creating a list of 50 things you want to accomplish in the new year can make you feel overwhelmed before you even begin! Try to think about what you really want to accomplish, why you want to accomplish it, and what will motivate you to reach that goal. Once you have that thought in place, you can begin your journey:

1. Don’t make the same mistakes 

Think back to the goals you made for yourself last year. What did you accomplish? What didn’t you accomplish? Did you write out 30 goals but only finished five? Your past ambitions can give you insight into what you are capable of achieving. Maybe smaller, more attainable goals work for you. Maybe more ambitious, long-term goals are more exciting for you. By understanding what you’ve been able to accomplish, you can tailor your new goals for the year. 

2. Do some self-reflecting 

Now that you understand more about what you’re capable of achieving, it’s time to ask yourself “What do I really want?” Are you aiming to finish that first draft of writing or get to your ideal weight? Think about something that you’re passionate about completing, something that brings you joy and motivation. From there, you can craft your resolution.

3. Pick one resolution 

It’s more likely you’ll find success in defining one overarching goal to complete for the new year. Yes, just pick one. Make it specific to your needs, relevant to your life, and measurable so you can track progress. This way you can work hard to achieve something that truly matters to you and alleviate the stress of attempting to complete multiple resolutions.

For example, if you know you need to lose weight, don’t pick 30 resolutions that all revolve around that core goal. Resolve to lose the extra pounds and take the necessary steps at the appropriate times as the year unfolds. 

4. Create a plan

Break your one resolution up into smaller goals and tasks. Instead of “I want to lose weight,” one goal can be as simple as learning methods of portion control or learning the dangers of sugar overload for better long-term eating habits. This also gives you the opportunity to take a look at your habits and why you have them. If you’re trying to curb your junk food addiction, think about why you gravitate towards unhealthy snacks and what small steps you can take to kick those cravings. 

Now that you have defined your resolution, broken it up into smaller goals, and created a plan, you’re ready to get started. This is the time to get excited, start planning, and start tracking your progress. 

Do New year’s resolutions have you stressed out? Knowing the signs and symptoms of stress can allow you to manage your stress easier for a healthier, happier life. 

How to keep track of new year’s resolutions

Tracking your resolutions throughout the process helps you to stay on track while staying motivated to complete your goals. For some, this could be taking photos every time you go to the gym or checking tasks off of a checklist. Having physical evidence of your progress will not only keep you moving forward, it will give you something to look back on when the goal is achieved. Writing everything you want to achieve down in a notepad or on your phone will remind you what you’re working towards. It makes the goal more real, so you’re less likely to put it off a month later. 

Remember, in order for your new year’s resolutions to be effective, you have to be flexible with yourself. If you slip up, don’t dwell on the negative mindset. Just pick up where you left off and keep moving forward. Identify your obstacles and how you prepare to face them. Adjusting your goals and plans over time can help you become more successful in the future. 

Complete Care makes your health a priority every year

We understand that the new year can bring a lot of stress along with it. But the answers to how to keep a new year’s resolution can apply to your everyday goals. Especially when health is such an important priority, it’s important to educate yourself on ways to keep yourself in top shape. Our blog offers insight into important topics including staying healthy during the flu season and how to handle stress during the holidays. At Complete Care, helping to keep our communities healthy and happy is our goal every year. 

Our stand alone emergency room facilities are able to offer our patients with the same level of care as an emergency room attached to a hospital, but without the wait time. We are open 24/7 and are typically able to see walk-ins within a few minutes, not hours. 

We can help with your health-related goals this year. Visit your nearest Complete Care location today for quick, efficient, patient-centered care today.

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