How to Make the Most of Your New Year’s Resolutions

By: Cole Howell, PT, DPT

With 2018 coming to a close, many people find themselves creating New Year’s resolutions. “I want to be healthier.” “I want to save more money.” “I want to spend more time reading.” These are common resolutions, but most people give up within the first few weeks regardless of the goals they set. Here is a list of tips on how to stick with your New Year’s resolutions!

Make attainable goals

Before you start formulating your New Year’s resolutions, sit down and think about your top priorities and your past resolutions. Think about what is most important to you, and what resolutions you have experienced success/failure with in the past. Your resolutions should be ambitious, but attainable. Develop specific resolutions, that are easy to monitor.

Write your resolutions down and post them.

Write these in the present tense, and post them somewhere so you see them daily. Posting  them around your house (like on your fridge door) or setting them in your smartphone can be any easy way remind yourself of your goals.

Read them every day

Share them

For additional help reaching your goals, share them with a few friends/family members who can hold you accountable. They will also act as a support system when you are feeling frustrated. Another great idea is making group resolutions/creating a friendly competition with your friends and family.

Create milestones, reward yourself, and constantly re-evaluate.

Create milestones that need to be achieved in order to meet your goals. When you achieve these milestones, reward yourself with something small (but don’t over-do it). These rewards will help you stay motivated throughout the year. These milestones act as markers that you can use to re-evaluate your progress/where you need improvement.

Have fun!

These resolutions are meant to better your life. You should have fun along the way, and take pride in the fact that you are taking steps to improve your life! Happy 2019 everyone!!