Tips for Sticking to Your New Year’s Resolutions

A lengthy New Year’s Resolutions list is advantageous but not very realistic.  If you are unable to uphold your resolutions by February, March or even late January disappointment can set in and cause you to feel like you’re off to a bad start at the beginning of a new year.

It is important to remember, however, that New Year Resolutions are not intended to serve as a mechanism for mega changes in character.  It is a time for people to reflect on the actions of the past year and to make meaningful lifestyle changes.  It isn’t the amount of the change that matters, but the act of recognizing that lifestyle change is important and working toward it, one step at a time. By making realistic resolutions there is a better chance they will become part of your lifestyle.

Here are some tips when thinking about your New Year’s resolutions:

Start Small

Make resolutions that you feel you can keep.  For example, if you would like to eat healthier, try replacing dessert with something else you enjoy, like fruit or yogurt, instead of seeing your diet as a form of punishment.

Change One Behavior at a Time

Behaviors develop over time.  Therefore changing them won’t happen overnight.  If your goal is to get fit don’t change a bunch of eating habits and start exercising an hour a day.  Take one dietary step, such as, no snacking after 6 pm and one exercise step, like parking farther away from the entrance.  Make them a habit (psychologist say it takes 21 days to form a new habit) and then make another small change.

Talk About It

Share your experiences with coworkers and friends.  Blog about it.  Join a FitBit Group.  Don’t be afraid to ask for help.  Having someone to share your successes and struggles with can make your journey less intimidating.

Don’t Beat Yourself Up

Perfection is unattainable.  Everyone has ups and downs; resolve to recover from your mistakes and get back on track.  (See Talk About It above.)