Maintaining Your New Year’s Resolutions

If you resolved to make some changes this year you’ve probably already hit a few roadblocks. Most people who make New Year’s Resolutions manage to keep them for about a week.

Making the resolution is the easy part. It’s easy to see where improvements can be made but it’s another story altogether to make the changes necessary to achieve these improvements.

Of those who make New Year’s Resolutions only 8% actually achieve them. The good news is, if you can stay on track for 30 days you’re much more likely to turn your resolution into a habit – so how do you stay on track to see your goal through?

1. Plan your success – Keep a journal of your progress either online or on paper. The office supply stores are filled with planners and organizers to mark your journey so whether you use something as simple as a monthly calendar or go all out with a digital app keeping track of your progress is a great way to stay on track. The simple act of jotting down your daily progress gives you incentive to stay on task.
2. Make it a group effort – If you’re goal is to work out more then consider an app like My Fitness Pal or Fitbit so you can participate in challenges with friends and family. Challenges are a great way to reach your common goals by making them a competition.
3. Be accountable – Tell your friends, family or social media network what your goals are so they can assist you in staying on track. Make a habit of sharing your progress so you stay accountable and on track to success.
4. Establish a routine – This is important during the first month. If you’re goal is to quit smoking the hardest part is going to be getting through the first few days without a cigarette. While there are drugs and gums available to make withdrawal a little easier you’re still going to need to find other ways to fill your time. Instead of reaching for a smoke (or a cookie) take a quick walk around the office or block to assist in resisting temptation. If you can deflect temptation for even a few minutes you’re much more likely to resist it completely. Instead of starting each morning with a cup of coffee and a cigarette start each morning with a brisk walk around the block. You’ll be more energized and might not even need that cup of coffee.
5. Reward yourself – Set up small milestones at first to provide opportunities to reward yourself for all your hard work. As you achieve more and more success you can stretch out these rewards. Choose a grand reward when you’ve reached your goal – it can be great motivation to stay on track if you’re looking forward to a new purse, gym membership or some other satisfying reward.

These are just a few ways to stay on track to achieving your New Year’s Resolutions. The important thing to remember is the longer you can stay on track the more likely you’ll be in keeping your resolve and achieving your goals.