If you are struggling with your New Year’s resolutions and find yourself slipping back into your old routines, you are not alone.
A new year is the perfect time to set goals for your year and then strategize on how to achieve them. Many people fail, however, because they do not have a plan of attack.
It is important to make a few key goals that you can work toward accomplishing every week or periodically. In addition, it may be helpful to set some milestone dates that serve as a checkpoint where you can evaluate your progress and make changes that will keep you on track.
Here are some tips to help you stick to your resolutions:
- Pick more than one resolution. Try to have at least one relate to your health and wellness.
- Write them down. Writing down your resolutions may help you memorialize your goals and is something you can refer to when you find yourself slipping.
- Refer to them often. Referring to your resolutions regularly and even reading them out loud can help keep them at the top of your mind.
- Share them with others. Share your resolution goals with three to four family members or friends who can help you stay accountable.
- Post them. Have your resolutions written on your smart device or put them on your mirror or fridge so you are reminded of your goals.
- Create milestones. Create checkpoint dates that you can use to evaluate your progress and make any needed adjustments or resets.
- Reward yourself. When you make progress, find small ways to reward yourself while still staying on track.
- Have fun! Enjoy the process of making progress toward accomplishing your New Year’s Resolution goals and forgive yourself if you slip up.
For example, let’s say you resolve to have a healthier diet as a resolution. You could write down what you want to change: maybe it’s having a greater intake of fruits and vegetables (see the DASH Nutrition Plan for recommendations and tips in consultation with your doctor). Read your resolutions to yourself every morning and share them with your family or friends so they can help. Post a note on your fridge reminding yourself of the commitment you’ve made to your health and wellness. Create milestones: keep a food diary and find a way to measure your goals. It could be as simple as incorporating leafy vegetables into a set number of meals a week. Monitor improvements to your health and visit your doctor to track progress. Lastly, remember to have fun! Maybe recruit a friend or loved one to join in.
No matter what, it’s never too late to start a plan of attack to tackle those New Year’s resolutions for a healthier and better you – and we at SOMOS are here to help!