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Have you heard the popular saying “new year, new beginning”? People are always so enthusiastic about the New Year, and a common topic of conversation is usually the New Year’s resolutions.
But let me ask you a question: how many New Year’s resolutions have you made since you became an adult, and how many of them did you stick to?
According to a study research by the University of Scranton, just 8% of people achieve their New Year’s goals. This is because many people struggle to stick to their resolutions over time, while others forget they even made such a commitment as the year progresses. 
There’s nothing wrong with planning ahead for the New Year; however, the issue lies with many of us not taking them seriously.
As the reality of January kicks in, the initial excitement about the resolutions fades, and you find that before January 30th, many are just living life as the day presents.
But we don’t want your New Year’s resolutions to be just for the sake of it or because it’s what’s obtainable for the season; we want your resolutions to be effective.
That’s why, in this article, we are exploring its benefits and guiding you on how to craft an effective and achievable resolution.
New Year’s resolutions are promises you make to yourselves at the beginning of a new year to work toward self-improvement or achieve specific goals.
They often reflect your desires for positive change in various aspects of life, such as health, relationships, career, and personal development.
Why Do People Make New Year’s Resolutions?
The start of a New Year provides a natural opportunity for reflection and a fresh start. New Year’s resolutions help you set intentions, break old habits, and establish new ones.
It’s a chance to leave behind the past and embrace a brighter future filled with personal growth and achievement.
The Benefits of Setting New Year’s Resolutions
Setting New Year’s resolutions comes with numerous benefits. Firstly, it offers you motivation and a clear sense of purpose, serving as a driving force that compels you to take action.
Moreover, resolutions act as a valuable tool for clarifying priorities. They help you figure out what truly matters, thereby enabling you to stay focused on your most important goals.
Additionally, resolutions are catalysts for personal growth and development. They push you to strive for self-improvement, quickening your journey toward becoming a better version of yourself.
How to Set Effective New Year’s Resolutions
To ensure that your New Year’s resolution is effective, ensure it follows the S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) framework for goal setting.
This framework ensures that your goals are:
Specific. Instead of making vague resolutions like “getting in shape” or “eating healthier,” set specific resolutions like “losing 10 pounds in 3 months” or “eating five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.”
Measurable. Break down your big goal into smaller tasks and set milestones to track your progress. In the example above, this can mean losing 5 pounds in the first month, 8 pounds in the second month, and finally 10 pounds in the third month.
Achievable. Ensure your goals are realistic and attainable within your current circumstances. Do you have access to a gym? Can you afford a gym membership?
Or do you have fruits in your garden? With your current financial income and responsibilities, how many servings can you afford per day?
Relevant. Align your resolutions with your values and long-term objectives, which in this case might be to maintain a healthy body mass.
Time-Bound. Set a deadline for achieving each goal. The time frame of 3 months will help you stay motivated and on track.
Tips for Sticking to Your New Year’s Resolutions
Making resolutions is one thing; sticking to them is another. Here’s how to stay committed:
- Tell your friends and family about your goals. Having people to support you and hold you accountable can be a great motivator.
- Make small changes gradually. Trying to make too many changes at once is a recipe for failure. Instead, start by making small, sustainable changes that you can stick to over time.
- Don’t be afraid to fail. Everyone slips up from time to time. If you fail, don’t give up on your goals altogether. Just pick yourself up and keep going.
- Reward yourself for your successes. When you reach a milestone, take some time to celebrate your accomplishment. This will help you stay motivated and keep moving forward.
Form for setting New Year’s resolutions
To help you set effective New Year’s resolutions, I have created a simple form to guide you.
Once you have completed the form, review it carefully to make sure that your goal is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
Final Thoughts on New Year’s Resolutions
New Year’s resolutions are a great way to set new goals and make positive changes in your life. By following the tips above, you can increase your chances of sticking to your resolutions and achieving your goals.
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