5 Tips to Help You Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

You may have read many articles lately about making and sticking to New Year’s Resolutions, but the science is that they don’t actually work. According to Professor Norcross, Psychology Professor at University of Scranton, only 10% of New Year’s resolutions are achieved. 

So how can you make sure your resolutions are successful? These tips will give you a better chance at success.

1) Make it a Habit

A New Year’s Resolution is likely to be more successful if you add it onto an existing habit rather than completely changing your lifestyle. For example, if your goal is to do more exercise, then it would be hard to start a whole new exercise regime, but much more achievable to add steps onto an existing routine. You could achieve your goal by jogging to the gym rather than driving, taking a walk on your lunch break or getting off the bus one stop earlier than normal. Once your new routine is established it becomes a habit and you will be more likely to stick with it. 

2) Make it Achievable 

Make sure your resolutions are achievable. A self-confessed couch potato will fail their new years resolution if it is to run the London Marathon in April. A more realistic approach to setting resolutions is important. 

3) Break it Down into Bite Size Pieces 

Planning can be a helpful way to stick to your resolutions. If you want to save money, why not create a budget or savings plan to help you reach your goal? Perhaps you want to lose 1 stone in weight, breaking it down to manageable milestones may help keep you motivated rather than feeling overwhelmed with a huge task at hand. 

4) Get Support 

If you want to change your lifestyle then you may need to get support from family and friends. They can also help you avoid temptations, especially in the early stages of the year when your new habits have not been properly established. 

5) Don’t Give Up

Even if you have a bad day and break your resolution, then you don’t need to give up altogether. Pick yourself up and start again the next day, we all have days when we make mistakes or really fancy a doughnut, so resolve to recover from any setbacks and get back on track. 

Making positive changes to your life doesn’t need to start on New Year’s Day, a Monday or a beginning of a new month. If you really want to make a change then you will do it straight away and not just because it’s New Year. So, what are you waiting for? Why not start today!

If you need some inspiration for New Year’s Resolutions for teachers, then here are 5 resolutions you will almost certainly be able to keep, whilst following the above advice of course!