Feel Good


How to Stick to Your New Year’s Resolutions

A few tips from the pros when it comes to making them and keeping them

BY December 29, 2015

About 60 percent of Americans typically say they’ll pick a New Year’s resolution related to diet or exercise. And, if you’re like them, you’ll probably be back to eating cookies and sitting on the couch all evening by about February.

We’re all optimistic come a new year. But old habits can be hard to break.

It doesn’t have to be like this. A New Year’s resolution can become a routine if you’re persistent. So, here are a few tips from the pros:

Take it one step at a time. No need to think of it long-term. Just try planning one month at a time. If you’ve made it to month three, chances are you’ve just created a routine you can stick to.

Don’t intimidate yourself. Instead of saying, “I’m losing 20 pounds,” set yourself up with a rigorous exercise schedule. Then, take note of how much weight you’re losing. Make the schedule the goal, not the specific number. It’s also more likely you’ll stick to it after dropping those 20 pounds.

Start on a Monday. Yeah, seems odd. But research has shown that people are more likely to start a new habit at the beginning of the week.

Get someone else involved. Getting a good friend or family member to hold you to your resolution will make you more likely to actually do it. And, it’ll be good to have someone there to help get you through the rough times.

 

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