The new year is upon us, and brings with it feelings of a new beginning and rejuvenation. Many of us take it as an opportunity to improve ourselves and set new year’s resolutions; but not all of us are able to stick to them.
62% of us are planning on making a new year’s resolution in 2025, but stats suggest only 16% of us will make it to the end of the year. But that doesn’t mean you’re destined for failure.
We’ve got some top tips on how to stick to your new year’s resolution, getting you through the initially challenging early months to seeing out the full year (and beyond!). Whether you’re looking to improve your diet and nutrition, gain a new skill or prioritise your loved ones, our guidance will make sure it’s a success.
The basics of setting new year’s resolutions
Avoid falling into the trap of all-or-nothing thinking, which can derail your goals even before they start. Instead, set realistic and achievable objectives, allowing room for flexibility and adjustments. Breaking down larger goals into smaller steps makes them more manageable. You’ll find it easier to maintain your enthusiasm and commitment when your resolutions are tailored to fit your lifestyle.
Common resolutions like exercising regularly or managing stress better are achievable with planning and persistence. Treat each step forward as progress, and don’t worry about setbacks. By embracing a positive mindset and celebrating your small victories, you can make this year truly transformative.
Setting SMART and achievable goals
You might have come across SMART goals before, most likely in your working life. But they can be applied to your personal life too, and can be a great tool for sticking to your new year’s resolutions.
Understanding SMART goals
The SMART framework stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound goals. To be specific, a goal should clearly state what you aim to achieve: for example, to read 12 books this year. Measurable milestones help you track progress, like the reading goal of finishing one book per month. Achievable goals are realistic and within your capability, preventing frustration and giving you a clearer action path.
Relevant goals should align with your wider objectives or values, ensuring they’re worth pursuing. A fitness goal, such as running a 5k, is valuable if improving your overall health is a priority. Time-bound goals have deadlines, providing urgency and motivation. By setting a deadline, such as completing a 5k by June, you maintain focus and drive.
Creating a list of resolutions
Start by listing resolutions that are meaningful to you. Ensure each resolution is a SMART resolution. Use bullet points to organise these tasks, categorising them by priority. Your list could include common goals like fitness improvements, career advancements or quitting bad habits. Break down larger goals into smaller, actionable tasks to make them more approachable.
For example, if your overall vision statement is to improve your health, list tasks like exercising three times a week. You could include some 5-minute goals, like meditating daily, to make progress feel more attainable. Listing goals this way helps keep them in sight, allowing for regular review. This approach can lead to smarter resolutions with a clear action plan.
Distinguishing between long-term and short-term goals
Differentiating between long-term and short-term goals can help you understand what’s needed to achieve them. Long-term goals often take longer and require consistent effort, such as earning a degree or losing a significant amount of weight.
Short-term goals, like daily or monthly goals, are steps towards achieving those bigger aims. Set small daily or weekly tasks that build towards larger goals, offering regular achievement and motivation.
Developing good habits and time management
Creating new habits and managing your time effectively can lead to a more fulfilling life. By focusing on healthy lifestyle changes and using time management techniques, you can maximise productive time and improve your mental health.
Cultivating healthy habits and lifestyle changes
To build healthy habits, it’s important to start small. Focus on making gradual changes that fit within your daily routine. For example, you might swap screen time for time with family, strengthening your relationships and improving your mental wellbeing.
Identifying your bad habits can also help you achieve your goals. Replace these with positive actions, like prioritising physical activity to boost your mood and health. An actionable plan helps in cementing these changes. Monitoring your progress will keep you motivated and accountable.
Effectively managing time and distractions
Time management begins with understanding how you currently spend your time. Conducting a time audit helps identify areas where you might be losing focus or wasting time on bad habits or meaningless tasks. Using focus time effectively means setting clear boundaries around work and leisure.
Reducing distractions such as excessive screen time helps to free you up for your smaller tasks that’ll help you hit your resolution goal. If you struggle to focus on something, like studying for a new certification, time management hacks like the pomodoro technique or batching tasks can help you stay on track.
Using tools for tracking and accountability
Technology can enhance your ability to stick to resolutions. Time tracking apps can provide insights into how you allocate your time, helping you make informed adjustments. For accountability, consider goal tracker apps that remind you of your commitments and help maintain focus. These tools can support you in crafting a productive action plan, ensuring you remain aligned with your goals. Incorporating these into your routine can transform how you approach time management and habit formation.
Frequently asked questions
Sticking to new year’s resolutions can be challenging, but with the right strategies and support, you can increase your chances of success.
What are the best strategies for maintaining new year’s resolutions?
To maintain your resolutions, set clear and achievable goals. Use a step-by-step plan and track your progress regularly. Flexibility is key, so adjust your approach if needed. Writing goals down and celebrating small wins can motivate you to keep going.
How many resolutions are advisable to set for the new year to ensure they are manageable?
Focus on setting just a few resolutions to avoid feeling overwhelmed. One to three well-defined goals allow you to give each sufficient attention. This increases your chances of success and keeps you from spreading yourself too thin.
How can I discuss my new year’s resolutions with others to keep myself accountable?
Share your resolutions with a supportive friend or family member. You might also want to join social media groups or online forums for encouragement. Regularly updating your progress with others can help keep you on track and motivated.
Could you provide a sample of an effective new year’s resolution?
A strong resolution is clear and specific. For instance, “I will walk for 30 minutes, five days a week, to improve my fitness level.” This goal is specific, measurable and achievable, making it easier to stick to throughout the year.
What are some popular resolutions that people often commit to at the start of a new year?
Common resolutions include losing weight, exercising regularly, quitting smoking and saving money. Many people also aim to reduce stress, eat healthier or learn something new. These goals focus on improving various aspects of personal wellbeing.
What tips can assist in adhering to new year’s fitness goals?
Choose activities you enjoy to make exercise more appealing and less daunting, and set realistic targets and gradually increase your workout intensity. Tracking your progress with an app or journal, and pairing up with a workout buddy can also provide motivation to stay committed. A fun activity like laughter yoga can encourage you to stick to your fitness goals, because it’s about more than just staying fit – it’s about having fun!