Isn’t it strange how we so often start the year full of good intentions of all the things we’re going to change about our lives, how we’re going to adopt good habits to increase our health, wealth and well-being, only for all these good intentions to fall by the wayside before January is over? Last year I didn’t even bother to make any resolutions. I figured there wasn’t a lot of point.

Photographer: Natalie Rhea Rigg @Unsplash

So, does that mean I’ve crossed over to the side of the cynics who believe making a list of New Year’s resolutions is a waste of time? Well, actually no. I’ve decided they are a good idea and I plan to make New Year’s Resolutions this year. For me, they’re a way of taking stock of where I am, and where I’d like to be. I love the motivation of setting new goals and dreaming of the positive outcome.

If you’re with me and plan to set some New Year’s Resolutions of your own, here are some tips to help you stay on track.

Start thinking about your New Year’s resolutions well before New Year’s Eve – 9 Tips to help you keep your New Year's Resolutions Beyond January – victoriahoneywood.com Click To Tweet

1

Start thinking about your New Year’s resolutions well before New Year’s Eve. Give yourself time to prepare and psych yourself up for any planned lifestyle changes.

Photographer: Michael Longmire at Unsplash

2

Many people fail because their resolutions are either unrealistic or too vague. Make your resolutions specific. Instead of resolving to lose weight, resolve to lose a certain amount, say five pounds, by the end of February or resolve to give up fast food/sugar/alcohol for a month.

3

Don’t beat yourself up if you relapse. Just promise yourself you won’t give up but you’ll just get straight back on track.

4

If there’s something significant you’d like to achieve break it down into smaller chunks. Instead of having a goal to redecorate the house, set a goal to decorate one room every month or two.

5

Reward yourself for small achievements

6

Some people find they stick to their goals better when they partner up with someone else with the same goal.

This post may contain affiliate links. This means if you click on one of the links I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. For further information please read the affiliate statement here.

7

Write your New Year’s resolutions down and display them in a prominent place so you see them often.

8

Don’t be afraid to review your goals during the year. They should be fluid and adaptable, not set in stone.

9

Make sure the resolution is something that’s right for you. Don’t pick a resolution because other people or outside influences are pushing you towards it.

And, last word, if you are putting a list of New Year’s Resolutions together, make sure at the very top of your list is “Be Kind To Yourself”.