2020 wasn’t all that we had hoped for and imagined. With the world fighting a pandemic, many of us probably had many goals and wishes we wanted to fulfill while stuck at home. But the start of the new year is the perfect time to evaluate your life and set goals for yourself.
Setting resolutions can help you make small changes that can improve your quality of life. But sticking with those resolutions as January drags on is challenging, your motivation slumps and things come up that distract us. Most of us fail, but it is possible to succeed.
If you want to learn why most people fail to keep their resolutions, are looking for resolutions that are doable, and learn how you can easily keep yours, keep on reading!
Why Do People Fail to Keep Their Resolutions?
Every year, well-meaning people want to get healthy, learn a new language, or be less stressed, and generally, those hopes and wishes die by February 1st. Why?
Often times, people give up because they do not see any progress. Like any goal you set, change takes time and you won’t see results instantly. You may see rapid gains, then hit a plateau or start slowly and then achieve significant breakthroughs. The important thing is to enjoy the process and you will realize that it takes time to make lasting changes.
To add on to the previous point: because many people don’t track their progress, they don’t see the small changes they are making. Writing down all the little milestones you reach on your phone or in a notebook will help you see that all your efforts are not being wasted.
Like any goal you set in life, you won’t reach them unless you take action. So if you’ve been wanting to get active and hike more, put on your hiking boots and get out that door.
Not being specific with your resolution is one of the biggest reasons people fail to keep them. If you are resolving to exercise more or lose weight, these resolutions lack ways to mark progress which can leave you unmotivated to keep them. Instead, try making your goal specific, like lose 10 pounds in three months.
Not having a support system makes it easy to give up when things get tough. Find a friend, family member or trainer who can hold you accountable and encourage you when you feel like quitting.
You know what you want, but do you know why? If your resolution for the new year is to learn a new language, why are doing it? Whether you want to be able to communicate with your family overseas or try something new, understanding why you want to accomplish a specific goal will keep you motivated.
5 Resolutions That Are Easy and Attainable
If you haven’t set a New Year’s resolution yet, it’s not too late! Here are 5 easy and attainable resolutions you can set for 2021.
If there’s one resolution that will help you in the long run, it’s making a vow to save more money. Outline a budget using a spreadsheet or budgeting app that works for you and make a plan of how you will stick to it.
Even if you don’t have a fitness routine, keep yourself moving on a simple walk around the neighborhood. Some physical activity (even just walking!) is better than none.
You know how important it is to hydrate, right? Every cell, tissue and organ in your body depends on water to survive. Purchasing a reusable water bottle will make this goal so much easier.
If you can hardly see what’s under that pile of clothes, papers, and not-yet-put-away groceries, it’s time to get organized. Take 20 minutes each day to tidy up and put things away where they belong. Cleaning a little each day will make tidying your home so easy.
Getting enough sleep every night is the foundation for good health. Being deprived of sleep can affect your body’s ability to regulate essential functions like appetite control, your immune system, metabolism, and body weight. So if you are a night owl, skip the late-night searches and hit the hay.
How to Keep Your Resolutions in 2021
Chances are, you’ve made a New Year’s resolution and then broke it. This year, stop the cycle of resolving to make a change and not following through. So how can you get started?
Choose one area to focus on with something small and specific that you can achieve. If you successfully meet your goal, you can choose a new one and start working on that. In addition, make sure your resolutions are realistic and attainable.
If you want to be more eco-friendly and use less plastic, don’t make your resolution: “I’m going to use less plastic this year.” Instead, make it: “I’m going to swap out 5 plastic items in my kitchen for reusable ones every week.”
Your goals should also be measurable. It should be easy to determine whether or not you’ve met them. So set specific goals and times when you will evaluate how you are doing.
It’s not easy making changes in your life. But with the right mindset and dedication, you can reach any goals you set. Be the best you yet by setting yourself up for success with your New Year’s resolution and make 2021 your year!
