By, A Bonnie
As the long month of January officially ends, the motivation to keep up with our New Year’s resolutions usually depreciates with it.
Each year, when the clock strikes midnight for the New Year, we are tasked to create a bullet list of expectations and duties that we have to live by for the next 12 months. Generally, this includes losing weight, eating healthier, spending more time with family or saving money. Striving toward these goals can make all of us feel like we’ve accomplished something and can keep us motivated, yet many resolutions get left in the dust after only having them for a couple of weeks.
Studies show that most people break their resolutions just within the first few weeks of the near year. With a lack of accountability, people lose interest in their goals quickly. It’s easy to stray away from them, especially when there are other things going on in your life, you don’t have enough time, or you simply just don’t want to do it.
This year needs to be different. Consistency is key and with this fool-proof list of keeping yourself accountable, there should be no reason why we all can’t accomplish our yearly objectives.
First up on the list is getting in the right mindset. Getting in the right mindset can help you feel motivated to do what you’re trying to go after. Try giving your mind a voice. Having your mind implement a positive voice and outlook onto your resolutions can help you achieve them better. If the voice in your head enforces drive and ambition, it’s more likely you get off the couch and strive towards those goals.
Another way to effectively stay on track is to prepare yourself and your surroundings in advance.
Say your resolution is to go to the gym and lose weight. Way before the first of January comes around, get a gym membership. If you’re already paying upwards of 50 dollars every month to work out, you’re more likely to head to the gym to get your money’s worth. But, if you wait until the second or third of January to get a membership, you might think of excuses as to why you can’t go. Since you know you don’t want to waste money by laying in bed and watching Netflix, perhaps you’ll be more motivated to get some exercising in.
If another resolution you have is to start eating healthier, clean out your refrigerator. Throw away or donate all of the unhealthy food that has been piling up in there for the past couple months. Instead of reaching for the potato chips in the snack aisle of a grocery store, try getting some fresh fruit and vegetables. Completing this task a few days before the New Year eliminates the excuses in your mind that may hinder you from fulfilling this goal.
Another great path to achieving your resolutions is telling your family and friends about it. Your goals don’t need to be a secret. Your family and friends are there to support you and keep you on track.
To go back to the healthy eating example, say you’re out to eat with a friend. While you suggest getting the new thick-cut slice of pizza with extra cheesy crust, your friend may remind you that getting the pizza isn’t the healthiest thing on the menu and that cutting calories by getting the salad might be better to accomplish your target weight.
Staying inspired and driven to complete your resolutions can positively influence the way you live your everyday life. Keeping up with this list of ways to strive towards your yearly goals should seamlessly help you keep your resolutions past the month of January.
Keep staying dedicated and motivated and before you know it, it’ll be Dec. 31 and you’re making another set of resolutions for the next year.
bonavent@sbu.edu
