This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Mizzou chapter.
The beginning of the New Year marks a fresh start that is often filled with the very best of intentions. We promise ourselves that this is the year we will get in shape, stop swearing, start saving our money or learn something new! However, somehow, year after year, our resolution is kicked to the curb by February or even sooner. By the end of year we look back and ask ourselves, “What happened? Why am I 5 lbs heavier instead of 5 lbs thinner? How is it that I only ever got as far as learning salutations in my quest to become fluent in Italian? And how is it that I am saving less money per month than I was last year?” We vow to change our ways. We proclaim, “No really, this is the year that I will start exercising everyday.”
Well, keeping your New Year’s resolution is possible. Her Campus Mizzou presents you with a few steps that you can take to ensure your resolution’s success. Make this the year you really change.
- Don’t bite off more than you can chew! According to a Marist poll, 58% of those under the age of 45 say they will vow to improve an aspect of their life. Make your New Year’s resolution count by choosing one that is realistic. Setting a goal that is unrealistically high is only setting yourself up for disappointment and guilt. If you realistically know you do not have the time (or willpower) to work out everyday, then shoot instead for 3 or 4 days a week. Along with that, don’t overload. Don’t adopt three resolutions when it will be a struggle to really keep one. Remember that you don’t have to change everything you dislike about yourself at once. Instead, go for the one goal that is most important to you and fully invest yourself in it.
- Write it down. One Harvard study found that people who wrote their goal down compared to those who didn’t were more successful in life (and also made ten times more money). That is because written goals give a greater sense of clarity and direction. Writing down your resolution will make your resolution feel more real – it will no longer feel like a vague idea in your head that is easy to dismiss at your convenience. Also try writing an explanation for why you chose your particular goals. This will encourage you when you are frustrated or ready to give up on your resolution. Next, place your written goal where you will see it everyday. This will serve as a constant reminder of what you want to achieve and why, making it more difficult for you to brush it off.
- Make a plan. Having a written plan gives you something to follow to assure you’re on the right track to success. Setting a time frame will also make it easier to track your progress. Mark your calendar with activities, checkpoints and evaluation days. For example, if your resolution is to learn how to kick box, plan out times to learn, practice and set a deadline for when you should be an “expert.”
- Get a support system. Tell your friends about your resolution. Friends and family can help you get through the tough times and serve as knowledgeable resources. If they’re good friends, they’lll know just the thing to say to get you going and feeling good again. On the flip side, remember to be supportive of you friends New Year’s resolutions, too. Your friend that decided to give up her coffee addiction might be acting like a grouch, so remember that she is suffering from withdrawals without her twice-daily skinny vanilla latté. Take a moment to compliment your friend on her success so far.
- Be prepared for obstacles. There’s no doubt you will run into situations or times when it will be easiest to kick your resolution to the curb. However, if you plan ahead ways to handle common temptations you will be more likely to stay strong. For example, if you plan to give up cursing, have a list of substitute words. That way, when you are tempted to drop an f-bomb, you’ll have an arsenal of alternatives to choose from, such as “FUDGE,” “Jeepers,” Pumpernickel,” or “cotton headed ninny muggins!” These phrases can still give you the same release of frustration you get when using curse words and, as an added bonus, they will most likely throw-off anyone you use them against.
- Don’t let little mishaps deter your entire resolution. It is important to remember that little hiccups do not mean failure. In fact, it may be best to leave a little wiggle room in your resolution if it means keeping it alive longer. Quitting a bad habit cold turkey can be next to impossible. We have to allow ourselves time change and learn from our mistakes. As Hannah Montana said, “nobody’s perfect” (However, note that giving yourself wiggle room does not apply to such resolutions as say, giving up a heroine addiction or cheating on your long-time bf).
- Reward yourself for progress. According to Psych Central, punishment has proven to be a bad motivator. Instead, acknowledge your milestones and cherish your successes. Throw a little party or have a nice dinner with your close friends in celebration of sticking to your guns. It is important that you continue to feel good about your resolution, and rewarding yourself serves as a reminder of why it is important.
In the end, your success is up to you. Take charge of your resolution and make 2012 the start of a better you.