New Year, New You! New Year’s Resolutions – How Do We Keep Them?
As we ring in the New Year we are all guilty after the clock hits midnight of saying, “This year I’m going to be more healthier or I’m going to save more money or I’m going to leave my job.” But we don’t do it. Research has shown that about half of all adults make New Year’s resolutions. However, fewer than 10% manage to keep them for more than a few months. So why do we make New Year’s Resolutions?
Dai H, Milkman KL, Riis J completed series of studies relating to what researchers have dubbed the "fresh start effect". This looked at how temporal landmarks can motivate aspirational behaviours. The New Year feels like a new beginning, which is why so many people often set resolutions during this times.
How do we ensure we keep our New year’s resolutions? Below are some tips to help keep you on track with your resolutions:
Choose One Realistic Goal
We often choose goals which are unrealistic or unattainable which sets us up to fail from the get go. However if you choose a specific, achievable and measurable goal you are more inclined to stick to it. For example, if your goal is to save more money you can set a goal by saying, “I’m going to save $10,000 this year”. Being specific with the goal is far more achievable.
Take Time to Plan
Once you have the goal you wish to achieve, it is really a long term goal and now you need to set out short term goals to achieve it. So if you wish to save $10,000 dollars, your short-term goal would be to put aside a small amount of money each week or month into a savings account over a period of time.
Try Not to Repeat Past Failures
Try not to make the same resolution you made the year before. If you were not able to achieve the resolution previously, then it is highly unlikely you will achieve it now. Set a different goal!
Be Patient
You need to remember that it has taken years for us to develop these unhealthy habits so do not expect them to change in an instant. You need to be patient and remind yourself that you are working towards the resolution.
Ask for Support
It is often easier if we have someone to help us along with our resolution. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
From all of us at Tiviti we wish you a Happy New Year. Never hesitate to reach out to us and have a chat, all we want is for you to be the best version of yourself and the start of the year is a good excuse to start.