Resolution: How to Keep a New Year's Resolution
The year 2025 is almost here, and people around the world are facing the same question: What will my New Year's resolution be?
This is a difficult question. Even more difficult is meeting the goal you set at the beginning of the year. A study reveals that only about 12% of people actually achieve their goals. of people who set out to achieve their goals actually achieve them. In fact, another study revealed that most people give up on their purpose mid-January But the problem isn't the purpose, but the way people try to achieve their goal.
Many people commit to eating healthier, exercising, reading more, or—our personal favorite—getting to know themselves better in bed. These are all fantastic goals! But how do you persevere and be part of the 12% who actually achieve that goal? Below are some tips that can help you achieve your 2025 resolution.
Be specific
If your goal is to “get healthy,” that resolution may only last through January. Set a specific goal, like losing 20 pounds or running a marathon, and then think about the steps to achieve it. You won't be able to run that marathon without training. Start by downloading an app that has a training plan or joining a running group. Having the steps to achieve a goal written down will make it more achievable.
Set a limit for yourself
You may have a lot of things you want to do in the New Year, but it doesn't all have to happen at once. If your list looks like this:
- eat more salads
- Talk to parents once a week
- quit drinking alcohol
- Getting a dog
- Spend more time with your partner
- buy a house
You may be giving yourself too much to do. Start the year with the one resolution that truly matters to you. Then, if you keep it, you can add more.
Get help
Humans are social creatures, so you're more likely to succeed if you have a support system to help you achieve your goal. For example, if you want to lose weight, one study found that you're eight times more likely to lose weight. five percent of your body weight if you do so with a support group. Thanks to the Internet, there are many groups that can provide the support you need.
Stay motivated
After returning to normal in January, and without the constant hustle and bustle of Christmas cookies, festivities, and celebrations, it can be easy to give up. That's why you should start keeping a journal to track your progress. Write down how you feel and how much progress you've made, and focus on that. Review the plan you had when you started 2025 and use it as motivation.
If you stumble, get up again
Resolutions are great at the beginning of the year, when your goals are still fresh and you haven't encountered any obstacles, but they can become more difficult as the year progresses. Don't let a small setback discourage you. You're likely to experience muscle aches if your goal is to exercise. That's normal! Do some stretches, treat your pain, and when you feel ready, get back to exercising. Reach out to your support group to get the energy and motivation you need to get going again!
Surely we'll all face setbacks this year, but you're the person who can overcome them and achieve your goals. This is the year you'll be part of the 12% who achieve their goal. You can do it.
Happy 2025!