New Year’s resolutions are often set, but often fail. According to the Statistic Brain Research Institute, only 8% of resolutions are successful, and the top New Year’s resolution is to lose weight.
It also is evident that the younger generation are more successful in keeping resolutions while the over 50 are less likely to stick with them, according to the Research Institute.
So what do we do to make New Year’s resolutions stick? The Frothingham Park Staff has a new approach to making your New Year’s goals more achievable.
Read more about the top 10 resolutions here.
Set Small Goals and Put Them Infront of You
List your goals on a piece of paper and hang it at your desk. Choose small, achievable goals. Instead of saying losing weight, be specific. Spell it out. For example: Trade the 500-calorie bagel and cream cheese for a yogurt and fruit for breakfast in the morning. Instead of parking close to the supermarket, choose the farthest parking spot and walk. When on a conference call, stand up for part of the call. Being specific makes the steps to meeting your goal easier.
Make Yourself Accountable
Post your list of small goals everywhere, at your desk, on the kitchen fridge, and be sure to share it with your friends, family and colleagues at work. Give them the liberty to call you on it when they see you not following your guidelines and rules. By setting accountability, you are more likely to stick with your plan for small goals.
YMCA Body Pump class, Easton
Don’t Join the Gym Just Yet
Don’t join the gym at the beginning of the year. Not only is the gym very crowded at that time and you are fighting for equipment, you end up meeting the newbies and making friends with them when they are not likely to stick with their new exercise regiment. They are the wrong crowd for continued motivation. Instead, wait a month before you join. By waiting, all the newbies would have deserted the gym, and you get the benefit to exercise alongside the die hards that have made exercise a habit and therefore, are truly inspirational. They are the ones you want to make friends with. They will teach you to make exercise a part of your daily life. Don’t be threatened by their accomplishments. Look at them as role models and mentors like you do in your professional life. Reach out to them and ask them for some guidance and tips on how to keep coming back, and how to exercise properly. They would be happy to share their expertise and accomplishments.
Check in, Make Adjustments and Substitutions Along the Way
Setting goals and resolutions at the beginning of the year and leaving it at that, is a recipe for failure. Two months into the year, it is time to check in and make adjustments as needed. Look at your list of specific goals, what has worked, what has not, what has the best chance for success, and revise your goals accordingly. Substitute a goal that has failed, with one that is more likely to succeed. Call it fine tuning for ensured success. For example, if you are struggling with giving up your bagel in the morning, substitute it for a mini bagel with half the calories and add a handful of walnuts or almonds to your breakfast to keep you full longer. Having trouble drinking your coffee without cream? Substitute it it for 1-2% milk. After a few weeks you won’t be abe to tell the difference. Not loving that Zumba class because you struggle with too many hip movements, don’t give up on exercise, try a Boot Camp class instead which may suit your style better.
Reward Yourself
It is so important to reward success. Three months into the year, take a tally of your accomplishments and reward yourself for any goals accomplished. Recognizing achievement, no matter how small, will inspire you to complete the remainder of your resolutions.
We hope these tips set you on the right foot to meet your goals in the New Year. Happy New Year from the Frothingham Park staff!