A New Year’s resolution is a custom that is most popular in the West but is also used in the East. It involves making a commitment to continue good habits, modify an undesirable characteristic or behaviour, reach a personal goal, or generally improve one’s behaviour.
1. Plan ahead
Make your resolutions before midnight on New Year’s Eve. If you wait until the last minute, your decision will depend on how you are feeling that day. Instead, it should be prepared well in advance of December 31st.
2. Stick to it
According to experts, it takes around 21 days for a new behaviour to get ingrained in your personality and six months for it to become a habit. Be persistent and patient because it won’t happen right away.
3. Be realistic
Making your aim unachievable is the best way to ensure failure. For instance, setting yourself up for failure by vowing to never again consume your favourite dish. Instead, aim for an achievable objective, like avoiding it more frequently than you do currently.
4. Keep trying
By the middle of February, if you have completely lost motivation to keep your resolution, don’t give up. Restart the process! Reaffirm your 24-hour commitment. For 24 hours, anything is possible. It won’t take long for the 24-hour intervals to add up, and before you know it, you’ll be back on track.
5. Outline your plan
Make a decision regarding how you will handle the urge to partake in that slice of cake or skip that workout class. This can entail asking a friend for assistance, engaging in constructive self-talk and thinking, or reminding yourself how your “poor behaviour” will impact your goal.
6. Don't beat yourself up
Focusing on your mistakes will prevent you from achieving your goal. Do your best each day, and focus only on the present moment.
7. Make a “PROS” and “CONS” list
To maintain your motivation, it could be helpful to see a list of the items on paper. Over time, compile this collection and invite others to add to it. Keep your list close at hand and consult it whenever you need to maintain your commitment.
8. Talk about it
Share your resolution with others. Inform your friends and family members who will be there to support you in your resolve to improve your health or alter yourself for the better. Finding a friend who also has a New Year’s resolve and encouraging one another is ideal.
9. Reward yourself
This does not imply that you can ignore your diet resolution and consume the full box of chocolates. Instead, reward yourself with something you enjoy that doesn’t conflict with your resolution to celebrate your achievement. Consider rewarding yourself with new workout attire or by taking a friend to the movies if you have been keeping your word to improve your diet, for instance.
10. Track your progress
Keep a record of every little victory. Short-term goals are simpler to maintain, and you’ll stay motivated as you make incremental progress. Focus on shedding the first five pounds rather than trying to lose 30. To stay on track, keep a meal log. Reward yourself every time you lose five pounds.
