It’s January 1st, and you walk into the gym and see all the machines taken. The annoyance hits you as you think, they’ll all give up on their resolution in a week, just get out now! But why do our resolutions never last? What can we do to make them accomplishable?
According to the Fisher College of Business, only 9% of Americans who make resolutions end up keeping them, 23% percent quitting the first week and 43% by the end of the month. The reason that most resolutions fail is they are simply too big. Just because it’s a new year doesn’t mean we have a wide open schedule and the dedication to carry out a big resolution. A resolution is supposed to be a part of a lifestyle change, and it can’t happen overnight.
So, how can we make our resolutions last? These three tips will help you make 2024 the best possible year yet:
- Start small
If your resolution is too big, you will not be able to accomplish it. A resolution is supposed to make your life better little by little, not overcome you and stress you out. The smaller the resolution, the more likely you are to keep it. For example, instead of saying I’m going to run a 5k, say, I’m going to run for 10 minutes 3 days a week.
2. Small goals
Making goals is so much more effective than resolutions. Having a goal for the new year is much more manageable. This way, you have smaller accomplishments to work towards instead of one daunting task. If you set your goal as going to the gym every day, then you probably will quit within a week. If you set your goal as going to the gym twice a week for a month, then three times a week for a month, and keep going, you will be much more likely to keep your resolution.
3. Accountability
Studies show that people who set up a way to be accountable for their goals will be twice as likely to achieve them making this a super important step in keeping your resolution. Forms of accountability can vary from having a person check in on you to having a calendar. Having someone aware of your goals can be super helpful as they can help motivate you and keep you on track. Many people get coaches to help them, which is a great resource if you are financially able to. If you don’t want to have a person keep you accountable, there are plenty of calendars and apps where you can log your progress. Seeing your goals laid out and tracking your habits is super beneficial to keeping your goal.
This year, instead of walking into the gym once and giving up, give yourself wiggle room and smaller goals. Everyone’s 2024 New Year Resolution should be to make smaller resolutions!
