How to Make Your Resolutions Last

With a fresh calendar comes the allure of a clean slate and promise to yourself of a “new year, new you”. It’s that time again, when we enthusiastically declare our intentions to revolutionize our lives, only to find ourselves face-first with something we swore off shortly after. But fear not! This year, we’re not just making resolutions, we’ll be sticking to them too! We’ve got some tips to help you make your resolutions last.

Make Your Goals SMART!

When we say smart, we don’t mean brainy – we mean specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. So, instead of telling yourself you’re going to eat healthier, narrow it down to something like eating three servings of vegetables everyday. And maybe skip out on the eccentric resolutions like learning to juggle flaming torches – some things are best left to professionals.

Reward Yourself

Positive reinforcement is the name of the game! Every time you hit a milestone treat yourself with a reward that isn’t going to set back your hard work. So instead of rewarding yourself with a gallon of ice cream, maybe opt for a guilt free Netflix session. Rewards that don’t undo your hard work are the key to long-term success.

Mix It Up

Routine is the mortal enemy of resolutions. When you start to get bored or think you’ve mastered something take it as a sign to switch things up a little to keep you interested. For example, if your resolution involves fitness, swap the treadmill for a dance class or yoga session. Having variety will spice things up and keep you interested.

Forgive and Forget

So, you had a minor slip up and skipped out on the gym. BIG DEAL! Forgive yourself and forget about it, perfection is overrated anyways and a stumble here or there is just a part of the journey. Show yourself some grace and don’t let one bad day turn into a bad week, month, or year.

Flexibility

A resolution is not carved in stone. If you feel that your initial goal is too ambitious or on the contrary, not challenging enough, adjust it accordingly. Life happens and sometimes you need to tailor your resolutions to better fit it.

Coming up with resolutions is quick and easy but following through and achieving them is where the going gets tough. But keep in mind that achieving your resolutions is more like a marathon and not a sprint – it’s going to take some time. So take these tips and make 2024 the year where your resolutions last!