Making New Year’s resolutions is easy. But sticking to them? That takes a little more gumption. If you’re known to fall off the bandwagon when it comes to following through with your resolutions, use these tips to help you stay on track throughout 2019.
Use the SMART System When Planning
Following through with your resolution starts even before you make the resolution. When planning what you’d like to achieve, you need to use the SMART acronym, which stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. This system was created by experts in 1981, meaning it’s a time-tested way to meet your goals.
Some of the biggest reasons resolutions fail are because they’re too vague, not realistic, or not tailored to your needs. The SMART system helps you avoid all that to create a resolution that’s just right for you (meaning you’re more likely to follow through with it).
Record Your Progress
Whether your goal is to lose a few pounds or recycle more, keeping track of your efforts is a good way to stay motivated. For example, keep a progress journal that documents the steps you’ve taken each day to work toward your goal. If possible, share your progress with others by joining a support group or talking with your friends.
While you might not feel like you’re making any headway, when you look back through your journal, you’ll see just how far you’ve really come.
Realize Mistakes Are Human
Even if you’re the most committed human being on the planet, you’re still going to slip up once or twice on your resolution. Don’t think of a slip up as a complete failure; instead, just see it as a hurdle in your way. You don’t have to completely abandon your idea of getting fit because you missed going to the gym one day. Instead, take a deep breath, and promise to do better tomorrow.
Keeping your New Year’s resolutions strong in 2019 isn’t easy. But as long as you try your best, that’s all that matters. What other tips do you have for maintaining your resolutions?
Works Cited
Miller, Jen A. “How to Make (and Keep) a New Year’s Resolution.” The New York Times. The New York Times Company, https://www.nytimes.com/guides/smarterliving/resolution-ideas.
“Making your New Year’s resolution stick.” American Psychological Association. American Psychological Association, https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/resolution.aspx.
