Setting New Years Resolutions

It is now the time of year when we start thinking about what goals we want to achieve in the new year.  However, considering that only 8% of people actually stick to their New Year's resolutions, it is easy to give up on them before we even try. However, setting resolutions doesn't have to be daunting, and there are things we can do throughout the year to make sure we accomplish the things that we set out to do in the new year. 

• Prioritize your top 3 goals
• Try not to set too many goals, as you want to be able to stay focused on each one and not let it fall by the wayside. Think about your top three goals you'd like to accomplish in the next year and set those as your resolutions.
• Visualize your wins
• Try to picture yourself accomplishing of your goals and realizing that you stuck to a resolution. Imagine that feeling every time you start to feel yourself slip away from your goal. 
• Engage other people
• Tell your family and friends about your goals. In doing so, they will help hold you accountable by asking you about them and how you are coming along on your goals.
• Track and celebrate
• Keep track of all the little accomplishments you are making along the way to reach your main goal. Celebrate each accomplishment you make to keep yourself motivated throughout the year.
• Start small
• Make yourself small, achievable goals that will ultimately reach your end goal. For example, instead of setting the goal of losing 50 lbs, say you will lose 1-2 pounds per week. Track your weight each week, and celebrate losing 1-2 pounds every time. Before you know it, you will be at 50 pounds lost. 
• Change one behavior at a time
• Going along with starting small, instead of trying to change all your behaviors at once, start with one at a time. Once you make a new behavior a habit, then add another. For example, if losing weight is your goal, start with adding in 3 days of exercise per week, or a healthy eating habit. Once you have successfully completed one, then add the other one in on top of it. 
• Ask for support
• This goes along with engaging other people on your goals and resolutions. By telling your friends and family about what you'd like to set for your resolutions and asking them for help in holding you accountable, it will help you stick to your goal. Rather than just working on it for yourself, you will also be doing it for other people, which can help keep you motivated throughout the course of the year.