Making Resolutions Stick

The beginning of a new year is a time to reflect on past and plan for the future. New Year’s resolutions are made by about 45% of Americans but are rarely kept for a whole year.

The key to New Year’s resolutions is not just making them, but keeping them. It’s much easier to keep resolutions when they are manageable and able to be incorporated into your everyday life.

Here are 10 tips to help you make resolutions that stick:

Set aside time each day to work on your goals and put it in your calendar.
Start small. Make small, manageable and achievable personal goals for yourself so you don’t get overwhelmed and give up on them.
Write your goals down and make them public. This will make you more accountable.
Make your resolution part of your routine. The more you do this, the easier it will be to achieve your goal. For example, if you want to connect more with family and friends, make it a habit to call them on a certain night of each week.
Be specific. Make detailed instead of vague resolutions that will help you to achieve them and give you a visible goal you can plan towards.
Be accountable. Share your resolutions with friends or family so they can help you stay on track. It helps to have a buddy on your journey.
Surround yourself with people who are supportive of your goals. Or you can set goals with a friend so that you can encourage each other.
Keep it reasonable. Set yourself up for success with realistic goals. Create milestones in your resolution goals that are realistic and attainable.
Track your success. Keep a journal of your successes and the milestones you have achieved while working towards your resolution. Apps on your smartphone can help to track your progress.
Reward yourself. Celebrate your successes in achieving your resolutions and steps along the way.