The New Year is a popular time for setting goals. People resolve to live healthier, get happier, lose weight, or exercise more.
However, despite their best intentions, nearly two-thirds of these resolutions are abandoned after just one month.
Millions of people distill their hopes and dreams for self-improvement into a shiny set of New Year’s resolutions, but research suggests only a fraction keep them.
A common reason is that the goals are too big. They’re based on vague statements like, “eat healthier,” or “get more exercise.”
When you don’t have specificity and heavy doses of realism, it’s easy to fall off the wagon. Instead of setting a goal that’s too difficult, take small steps toward your goal and celebrate the progress you make.
The best resolutions are the ones that are truly in your control and have a strong emotional connection to you. A clear reason for the changes you want to make and a positive mindset will help you stick with your goals all year long.
The new year symbolizes a fresh start, which is why many people make resolutions. They vow to eat better, exercise more, and stop smoking.
But research shows that the majority of resolutions fail before February.
It’s also important to choose goals that aren’t too difficult or uncomfortable, according to Luciani. It’s easy to throw in the towel if you start feeling discouraged or like it’s too hard to accomplish your goal.
For many people, the start of a new year is an opportunity to set resolutions that will shape their lives for the better. These resolutions may involve eating healthier, exercising more, or saving money.
However, many people don’t follow through with their resolutions. They end up falling back on their old habits in a short amount of time.
In a recent study, researchers found that participants who framed their goals in approach-oriented ways, such as “eat healthier,” were more likely to succeed at their goal than those who framed their goals in avoidance-oriented ways, such as “lose weight.”
This is because approach-oriented goals are more specific and can be measured with metrics. It’s also important to consider how your goal will make you feel once you achieve it.
The most common resolutions that don’t work are ones that involve buying something new or investing money in a service. These include gym memberships, new workout gear and classes, all of which can be expensive.
It’s not that people don’t want to stick with their resolutions; they just don’t have the funds to do so. And that’s where the problem starts, says Quicken, which surveyed more than 1,000 Americans about their New Year’s resolutions.
From a psychology standpoint, it makes sense that consumers think buying something will help them stick with their resolution, said Kit Yarrow, a consumer psychologist at Golden Gate University in San Francisco. But that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.
New Year’s resolutions often revolve around health, relationships, career, and personal aspirations.
It’s a good idea to start the year off with resolutions that are specific and measurable. Rather than saying, “I’m going to lose weight,” write down goals like, “I’m going to go to the gym three times a week.”
Small, specific goals make it easier to stay motivated and stick with them. Taking on too much too quickly, starting an unsustainably restrictive diet, or drastically altering your normal habits can derail your progress.