It happens every year – January 1st rolls around and with it, millions of good intentions and resolutions for the new year. Coming up with things that you resolve to “do better” is the easy part.
Actually getting started, and then sticking with it, is an entirely different matter though. In fact, U.S. News and World Report published the somewhat sobering statistic recently that 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by February.
The good news is that your can increase the “stickiness” of your resolve by employing some creative strategies and building up your arsenal of motivational tools. Check out some of our favorite ideas below to keep your resolutions from falling victim to that 80% stat.
1. Name It, Claim It, and Make It Known
Although this might sound like the hype you’d expect from a 1980’s-era self help guru, this step really can work wonders for your own intrinsic motivation. Don’t just think your resolution; write it down.
Then, get as specific as possible. Don’t just say “I’ll go to the gym more this year.” Instead, say “I’ll go to the gym 4 days a week for at least 30 minutes each time.”
Next, share your resolution with as many people as you’re comfortable telling. An easy way to do this is to share it on social media. By doing that, you are now accountable to people other than yourself and you won’t want to let them down.
2. Plan for Success
You wouldn’t embark on a 365 mile journey without planning your route in advance. Think of your resolution as a 365 day journey and map out your path for getting to your destination. In this case, that destination is a whole year of successfully sticking with the resolution(s) that you made on January 1st.
Write yourself a list of steps you’ll need to take to make your journey a reality, then add those items to your calendar, set reminders in your phone, or even create your own free task manager account just for your resolution.
3. Break Your Big Goal Into Smaller Goals
Let’s face it – 365 days is a long time. It can be overwhelming to think of a whole stretch of year ahead of you and the work you may need to put in to maintain your resolution. So, like any big project, break it up into smaller chunks instead.
If your resolution is to read 50 books in a year, take it a month at a time instead. Plan to read 5 books throughout January. 5 books seems a lot more manageable than 50!
4. Reward Yourself Along the Way
Each time you successfully achieve one of those smaller goals we just discussed, treat yourself for a job well done. It can something as small as a specialty coffee from your favorite coffee place or a 2-hour guilt free nap, or something larger like a new pair of shoes or a massage. Find what works for you to keep your motivation high, and use that to your advantage.
5. Leverage Tools Designed To Motivate You
There are a plethora of tools and apps available today that add a built-in layer of fun, accountability, and motivation to nearly any resolution you could think.
Resolving to run your first 5k? There’s an app for that!
Resolving to save money for a vacation? There’s an app for that, too!
Resolving to lose weight? You guessed it – there’s a platform and app for that!
HealthyWage lets you bet on your weight loss and pays up to $10,000 if you hit your goal within the time frame that you select!
Start by using the HealthyWage Prize Calculator. Here, you’ll enter how much weight you’d like to lose (a minimum of 10% of your starting weight), how long it’ll take (six to 18 months) and how much you want to bet (anywhere between $20 to $150 a month). The calculator then determines your prize amount.
Next, officially place your bet, agreeing to pay the monthly amount for the duration of the challenge. If you hit your weight-loss goal by the end date, you’ll earn your prize. If you don’t hit your goal, the money goes toward HealthyWage. Make 2018 the year you actually stick to that resolution to lose weight and get healthier!
Have you decided on your New Year’s Resolution yet? Tell us about it, and then share any tricks or ideas you have to make it happen!
