Most of us make some kind of New Year’s resolution. Correspondent Al Smith reports on what tops one website’s list: GOBankingRates.com says nearly half of participants they surveyed said that fully enjoying life is their top resolution. Women were more focused on enjoying life to the fullest than men. Living life to the fullest is the top resolution in 30 states. Living a healthier lifestyle came in at a close second.
When all is said and done regarding resolution follow through, Health magazine writer Alyssa Sparacino probably says it the best: “New Year’s resolutions are a bit like babies – They’re fun to make be extremely difficult to maintain.” A 2002 study on New Year’s Resolution Commitment showed approximately one in three Americans set goals, especially at the new year. It’s estimated that 75% of those people who set goals actually follow through … that is for about a week, then less than half remain on target six months later. The results were within a 2% margin when the study was repeated in 2015.
Here’s some tips provided by WebMD to follow through with those resolutions:
- If you’re working at overcoming an addiction, such as smoking, Hazelden chief medical officer Marvin Seppala says consistent exercise is the number one factor for achieving your goal
- Make changes one at a time. For instance, eating less isn’t the only factor for decreasing caloric intake: You also have to learn to shop differently, think differently about your habits, and set meal and exercises schedules. University of Guelph in Canada psychologist Ian Newby-Clark says if you try to make all the changes at once, chances are you’ll get too discouraged to follow through
- Set small goals. Instead of looking at where you want to be in 10 weeks or 10 months, Psychologist Andrea Bonior says break your goals down into one or two steps, or daily goals
- Keep your spirits up. Watching funny movies was proven in a study to improve self-control and decrease hunger urges
- Change the type of glucose for your body’s fuel. The brain needs glucose for energy. Florida State researchers say give your brain a jolt with orange juice or lemonade, and stay away from artificial sweeteners because they don’t deliver necessary nutrients
- Avoid making “absolute” resolutions. Psychologist Connie Stapleton says avoid resolutions such as “I’m never using my credit card again” or “I’m giving up all sweets.” The absolute resolutions are overly strict, so compromise a little and ease into your long-term goals
- When you’re having a down day and reflecting on what or who you used to be, psychologist Elizabeth Lombardo says write a list of the 100 things you’re proud of. Writing the list reminds you of your accomplishments and contributions, and the essence of what you like about you
- “Do unto others.” Harvard University psychologist Kurt Gray says imagining doing something nice for someone, then following through with the gesture is empowering, which then improves commitment follow through
- Include your senses in keeping your goals. Tufts University psychologist Christopher Willard says put up photos of the thinner you up or pin up a picture of your favorite location spot. Having a concrete visualization helps you stay on focus
- Last, leave town. Dr. Seppala says stress wears you down. Get away from the stressors and temptations: give your body and mind a rest
Last note of wisdom: Write your goals down, share them with other people, create and secure a support system. Social approval is often the main motivation for goal achievement.
