Sticking to Your New Year's Resolution

Are you tired of making resolutions every year only to give up on them after a month? You’re not alone! Statistics say that after one week, out of those who made resolutions, only 75% are still successful. A month in, only 64% are still successful in keeping them. After 6 months, the number drops to less than 50%. To combat this, here are some tips and tricks to stick to your resolutions in 2022:


  1. Give yourself a reason. Okay, so you want to start eating healthier. Easier said than done! But if you give yourself a reason to start eating healthier, it will be easier to stick to. For example, “I want to start eating healthier, so that I can feel better mentally.” Giving a reason creates more of a purpose.

  2. Use SMART goals. The acronym SMART stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound. You want your goal to fall into all of these categories. This way, not only can you avoid being vague, but you can also have a plan.

  3. Baby steps. The key to setting a New Year’s goal that you can stick to is starting small. It’s unrealistic to tell yourself that you’re going to lose 100 pounds, become a vegan, and save $100,000 in the first 6 months of the new year. It just isn’t a viable goal, and you’ll quickly become overwhelmed. Small wins will give you the push to continue. 

  4. Don’t get discouraged. Let’s be realistic here. Everyone has off-days. That’s just part of being human! Don’t let your off-days discourage you. Take these days as a time to reflect and reset. You don’t have to be 100% all of the time, as long as you’re keeping your mindset on the goal. 

  5. Treat yourself. A resolution doesn’t have to be miserable. You still deserve to treat yourself here and there. If you’re trying to save money and you’ve hit a monthly goal, maybe go to the Target dollar spot and get yourself something small. Or if you’re trying to lose weight, buy yourself some new gym gear. Whatever it may be! 


Even though it may be tough to stick to a New Year's resolution, it doesn't mean it’s impossible. Even though the percentage of people who stick to their goals decreases over time, on the other hand, out of those who have goals but don’t set a resolution only 4% are still successful after 6 months. 



Skyler Pecci