It’s the time of year that people start thinking about the year ahead — and making resolutions to be better and do better.
Unfortunately, whether it’s a resolution regarding food or finances or something else, only about 1 in 12 people will really keep their resolutions beyond the first few weeks of January, according to research from the University of Scranton.
The most popular resolutions in 2024, according to Statista, were:
- Save more money.
- Exercise more.
- Eat healthier.
- Spend more time with family and friends.
- Lose weight.
Your resolution, whatever it is, should be SMART.
- Specific: Instead of just "lose weight," create a specific goal like "lose 20 lbs. before May 1.”
- Measurable: The goal should be measurable.
- Achievable: The goal should be realistic.
- Relevant: The goal you set should be relevant to your current situation — in other words, be sure you have a "why" behind setting your goal.
- Time-bound: The goal should have a deadline.
Once you’ve decided on a resolution or two, what's the best way to actually keep it?
A University of Chicago study says to make your resolution a habit first — and doing whatever it takes to kickstart the development of that habit. In the study, researchers paid students to work out; once those payments stopped, those students continued to work out much more often when compared to students who were never paid.
For some people, you might want to start betting against yourself to make your resolution a habit (which usually takes at least a few weeks). Apps like StiKK and DietBet can provide some financial motivation to succeed. Giving yourself little rewards for intermediate goals can keep your motivation up, too.
It also helps to have a "resolution buddy" who can help keep you accountable. And, it may help to post motivational messages around your home — decorate index cards with sayings, goals, your “whys” and more.
And don’t just quit when things don’t go your way. Setbacks will happen, and it’s better to give yourself grace and start again than it is to quit entirely.
Good luck this year!
