More than 40 percent of Americans say that they will make New Year’s resolutions. These goals are an attempt to improve life in upcoming year. Sounds simple, right? Not so much. According to the Huffington Post, only eight percent of people actually follow through on their intentions.
Here are some ways you can improve your chances of New Year’s resolution success.
Make a resolution that is meaningful to you
A resolution needs to be something you want to accomplish. If your spouse wants you to give up sodas, but your heart isn’t in it, failure is inevitable.
Make a resolution that is in sync with your current season in life
I want to run a marathon, but I have a young son who needs my time and attention. This is not the year to train for a marathon. But, I could resolve to increase the distance I can run.
Make a resolution that can be measured
The act of writing down something you want to accomplish increases your chance of success by more than 40 percent. Write it down and share it with someone else. I strongly discourage seeking accountability from your spouse if you are trying to lose weight. Choose someone that won’t accept excuses and will give you a big push-back when you have a litany of excuses.
Make a plan of execution
If I want to wear a smaller pants size by next December, that isn’t going to happen without a plan and commitment. Establish checkpoints throughout the year and put them on your calendar. This is also a great time to celebrate successes along the way.
