Instructions
- Step 1: Start out small Choose attainable goals. Setting the bar too high only invites failure.
- Step 2: Write them down Write down what you hope to achieve. You may feel silly, but research shows that people who write down their resolutions are more likely to keep them.
- Step 3: Go public Tell everyone your plans. It will help shame you into following through, plus you’ll have your loved ones cheering you on.
- TIP: Try joining on online support group, especially if your goal is to lose weight— America’s most popular resolution. One study found that those with around-the-clock support lost twice the weight of those who went it alone.
- Step 4: Stay positive Think of your resolution in positive terms. For example, instead of saying, ‘I’m not going to smoke anymore,’ think, ‘I’m getting healthy.’
- Step 5: Give it three weeks Try to stick to your goal for 21 days. Research shows it takes that long to change or break a habit, so if you can hold on for just three weeks, you’ll greatly increase your chance of success.
- Step 6: Don’t sweat slipups If you cheat, forgive yourself and continue on. Don’t make one slipup an excuse to give up altogether.
- FACT: According to a survey, procrastination is the number-one reason people don’t keep their New Year’s resolutions, followed by lack of discipline and not having a game plan.
You Will Need
- Attainable goals
- A written plan
- Positive thinking
- Three weeks of discipline
- Self-forgiveness
- An online support group
