New Year’s resolutions can be difficult to keep.
Many people set unrealistic goals or only set them because they feel compelled to follow tradition. Additionally, people rarely make plans for how they are going to complete their goals. In a study by Ohio State University, it was found that only 9 percent of people ended up successfully keeping their resolutions, with most quitting in the first month.
This disheartens and dissuades people from this long-standing tradition. The Lancelot’s’ own copy editor, Evy N, said, “I think I stopped making New Year’s resolutions with how hard they are to keep.”
People can create manageable New Year’s resolutions by following these tips.
People should follow the SMART goal-setting method, created by George Doran to help organizations improve clarity and achievability of their goals. The SMART goal method helps to make goals manageable by requiring people to be specific, realistic, have the goal be measurable, and set a timeline. New Year’s resolutions following this method are no longer nebulous and more achievable for people. Additionally, by having it be measurable, people can see their progress. This makes people less likely to just give up within the first month.
Secondly, people should be held accountable. Resolutions can be hard. Having someone to hold you accountable helps prevent people from quitting when the going gets tough. Additionally, a support system is always beneficial. Loved ones may encourage and even help work through obstacles. Finding a goal that a loved one will also join in on is a good idea. It keeps both parties accountable and makes things more fun.
Thirdly, resolutions should start at a time of change. Ms. Baumgartner said, “I make resolutions for the start of the school year.” Resolutions do not need to be limited to the start of the year. If they are set at a time when change happens or is needed, the motivation is stronger. When goals are set as a need instead of just something to fit in, people are more likely to go through with them. Additionally, starting a resolution in a time of change gives a person a sense of hope, and it is a “fresh start.” The fresh start effect is a psychological phenomenon that makes it easier to change due to a sense of separation from the “old self”. Using this effect is greatly beneficial to anyone who wants to accomplish a goal.
It is recommended by psychologists, in particular Dr. Emily Balcetis, to use visualization techniques such as mood boards or positive affirmations, in addition to the previous tips. Neuroscientists have found that visualization techniques make goals feel more attainable. They also generally improve confidence and motivation. The visualization mentally prepares individuals.
While New Year’s resolutions seem at first to be a great challenge, they are still possible. By following these tips, New Year’s resolutions can be more achievable than possible.
