8 Tips to Help You Stick to Your New Year’s Resolutions

Does this happen to you?

Every year you make at least one resolution that you just know will make you a better person. And every year, around the third week of January, you’ve completely forgotten what it was and have lapsed back into a bad habit?

Not in 2017! We’ve put together a list of tips to help you make the most of your New Year’s resolutions. It’s time to kick those bad habits for good!

1. Add a Good Habit

For example, instead of swearing off sugary soda, resolve to start drinking at least two glasses of water a day — which will help you curb your soda cravings.

2. Tell Someone

Telling a friend or family member will help you keep your resolution because you won’t want to admit to someone else you’ve slipped. This works especially well if you choose someone whose opinion you value.

3. Start Small

Avoid resolving to start working out five days a week for an hour a day. Start with something smaller — like walking to school three times a week — and you’ll be more likely to pull it off.

4. Write Down Your Goals

Making a note to yourself about your goal or resolution, and putting it somewhere you’ll see it often (taped above your bed, maybe?) will help you keep your eyes on the prize.

5. Reward Yourself

Are you trying to learn to play the piano? Let yourself have a treat when you master ‘Chopsticks’ and you’ll be encouraged to move on to Chopin.

5. Recruit a Friend

Teaming up with a friend for a similar resolution can give the motivation you need to succeed. Because after all, Rock Band is waaay more fun when you’re playing with an actual ‘band.’

6. Keep It Simple

If you shoot for the moon you might find yourself feeling discouraged. But if you want to stop biting your nails, taking it one finger at a time might just work.

7. Commit to 21 Days

Some say it takes 21 days for people to establish a new habit or break an old one. So try to give your New Year’s resolution three full weeks before throwing in the towel…you might find you can’t quit!

8. One Step at a Time

Looking to perfect your pool moves? Focus on one thing — the break, for example — and perfect that before moving on to nailing kick shots. By taking steps toward a larger goal, you’ll get to enjoy more successes and increase your chances of accomplishing everything you set out to do this year.