It’s that time of year again, where everyone makes sweeping declarations of new life choices and goals, swearing this time they will stick to it. But let’s be honest, how many times have you made a ‘New Year’s Resolution’ only to give up by February? We’ve all been there. Whether it is because of setting unrealistic goals, or not feeling fully committed, there are several reasons why resolutions fail, even with the best of intentions. By following three simple steps, it will be much easier for you to stick to those resolutions and make this year a new start!

1. Start Early: Don’t wait until 12:01am on January 1^st to start living out your New Year’s Resolution. Having a specific, or required, starting point can add extra and unnecessary pressure to a potentially positive life change. If your goal is to cut out, or simply cut down on sweets, try starting immediately after Christmas. Allow yourself that last indulgence at your family holiday gathering, then start weaning yourself off those sweet treats. This will also prevent any last minute face stuffing at your New Year’s Eve party, which can send you into a sugar rush and crash. The same goes for quitting smoking, or deciding to work out. These are both very popular resolutions that can quickly fall by the wayside without commitment. Make it easy on yourself, and cut down on those cigarettes before NYE, or start hitting the gym December 26^th or 27^th to start getting yourself in the groove.
2. Want it: Make a resolution that you want to keep. Don’t say you are going to quit smoking if you are not fully committed. Don’t say you want to lose 15 pounds, if you have no intention of really making diet and exercise changes to your lifestyle. Remember the resolution you make is for you, and no one else. If your heart is not really in it, it becomes much more difficult to stick to your resolution. Find a way to make your resolution something that you are passionate about. Instead of being so concerned about a specific weight goal, consider making a resolution to learn new healthy recipes to improve your health and learn more cooking skills. This allows you to get a bit more enjoyment out of your New Year’s resolution, instead of it feeling like a chore.
3. Set Reasonable Goals: Be realistic with yourself. Don’t decide your New Year’s resolution is going to be to run a marathon, if currently you are not a very active person. However, if you have already completed a half marathon, then the goal of a full marathon may be a reasonable goal for your resolution. If you are a two pack a day smoker, consider your New Year’s resolution of quitting smoking as a goal for a few months out. Give yourself and your body time to adjust to this new commitment. It can be a shock to the system to suddenly deprive yourself of something you do on a daily basis. If your resolution is to work out more, don’t get down on yourself if you miss a day of going to the gym. Just be sure to keep yourself active, possibly with some squats or jumping jacks at home, and keep yourself thinking positive. If quitting smoking is your goal, don’t give up completely if you give in to cravings and have a puff. Resolutions can be challenging, which is kind of the point, challenge yourself, but don’t get down on yourself if you slip up. Be clear and reasonable with your goals, and stick to them!

So there you have it, three ways to make sticking to your New Year’s resolution much easier. 2019 is almost here, and it’s time to get those resolutions started! Find something in your life that you feel passionate about changing for the better, and do it. Thanks for reading, and Happy New Year!!!