How to keep your New Year's resolutions: 5 tips

Now that the New Year’s excitement has faded comes the hard part: sticking to those resolutions you set with so much enthusiasm. It’s easy to feel your motivation wavering by this point, especially when progress feels slow, or things start getting in the way.

Whether you’ve decided to learn a new language, try a new sport, or discover a new hobby — staying consistent with your resolutions takes effort. Don’t give up just yet! Now is the perfect time to refocus and remind yourself why you set your goals.

Why keeping resolutions is hard

Here’s the challenge: research shows that only 9% of Americans successfully stick to their resolutions. 23% give up within the first week, and 43% abandon their goals by the end of January.

There are various reasons why people struggle to keep resolutions — a big one being that people often set resolutions from a place of obligation rather than motivation. Unexpected obstacles, a lack of accountability, and demanding goals can also contribute to abandoned resolutions.

While there's no quick fix to ensure you stick to your resolution, small adjustments to your expectations, routine, and goals can give you the best chance of success. Here are five top tips for making and keeping New Year’s resolutions.

1. Choose meaningful resolutions

First things first: whether you’ve already set resolutions or are just starting to make them, make sure they’re meaningful to you. A resolution tied to something you care about or want to achieve will be much more likely to keep you motivated. 

If you can already envision how this resolution will make a difference in your life, it will strengthen your connection to your goals. This connection makes it easier to stay committed, even as your motivation inevitably waxes and wanes.

2. Focus on one or two

It can be tempting to set multiple resolutions at the start of a year, especially when your enthusiasm is at its peak. However, tackling too many goals at once can dilute your focus and increase your stress, lowering your chances of sticking to them. 

To boost your chances of success, narrow your focus to one or two well-thought-out goals. When it comes to self-improvement, quality matters more than quantity. Concentrating your efforts will help you achieve your goals and make the process even more rewarding.

3. Break your resolution into steps

Big goals can feel overwhelming, which is one of the main reasons people abandon their resolutions. By breaking your goals into smaller, more manageable steps, you can make progress incrementally and build momentum toward achieving your larger objective.

If you have a step-by-step plan, progress becomes more tangible and each small victory moves you closer to the bigger goal. This method helps you stay on track and keeps you motivated throughout the year.

4. Build new habits gradually

As the old proverb goes, slow and steady wins the race. Rushing the steps of your resolution and attempting to create new habits overnight can feel overwhelming and is often unsustainable. 

Building your habits gradually allows you to better adapt to your new routine and helps create a strong foundation for lasting change. Pacing yourself will reduce the pressure of tackling big resolutions and help you create routines that stick. Remember: it’s not about perfection; it’s about progress.

5. Celebrate the small wins

Last but most certainly not least: celebrate small wins and progress along the way. Achieving big goals takes time, and it’s easy to lose sight of your target. Celebrating milestones throughout your journey can help to keep you motivated, build confidence, and reinforce positive habits.

By celebrating the victories, you’ll make your progress toward your resolution more enjoyable and increase your motivation. Each step forward is progress, and each small win brings you one step closer to your end goal.

Sticking to your New Year’s resolutions may seem daunting, but it is achievable with the right approach. Put these five tips into action and set yourself up for long-term success. The year is your oyster — make the most of it!