In With the New
The start of the new year offers the opportunity to turn over a new leaf, whether you’re looking to start something new or leave bad habits in the past. While New Year’s resolutions are notoriously slippery, there are proven ways to help your resolutions stick around for the long haul. Whether you’re looking to up your fitness game or improve your mental health, here are some tips to create healthy, attainable goals to start the year off strong.
Setting Resolutions That Stick
When making resolutions, people tend to set the bar too high – this leads to goals that are difficult to sustain and often get abandoned within a month or two. When setting your New Year’s resolutions, try using the SMART goals framework:
Specific: The most effective goals are specific. Ask yourself what needs to be accomplished, what steps need to be taken, and why you want to achieve your resolution.
Measurable: Metrics make a resolution more tangible and provide a way to measure your progress. You can measure pounds lost, miles run, or time spent.
Achievable: An effective goal must be attainable. Your New Year’s resolutions should be enough of a stretch to make you feel challenged while also being achievable with your current resources.
Relevant: A relevant resolution aligns with your long-term intentions. If your overarching ambition is to be healthier, creating a goal to cut down on junk food can directly contribute to this achievement.
Time-Bound: A time-constrained goal builds a sense of urgency and offers motivation to achieve your resolution. Give yourself a deadline or a timeline for measuring your progress.
Maintaining Your New Year’s Resolutions
Once you’ve set a demanding yet attainable resolution, the real challenge is maintaining it. As you work towards your objective:
Identify Accountability Partners: Whether it’s a friend or family member, invite your support system to participate in the resolution alongside you or to check in on your results and cheer you towards the finish line.
Give Yourself Time: Rome wasn’t built in a day. Research has shown that it can take an average of 66 days to form a new habit, so be patient with yourself and your progress. Push through any setbacks and keep working toward your goal.
Remember: the key to lasting change isn’t perfection but rather persistence. By setting thoughtful goals, inviting others into your journey, and giving yourself grace, you can turn your resolutions into healthy, lifelong habits. Happy New Year!
Meet the Author
Ali Lemmons, BS, Summa Cum Laude
Ali Lemmons is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication with a minor in computer science. While at UTC, Ali also earned the distinction of Summa Cum Laude, the Outstanding Senior Award for the communication department, and was inducted into the Kappa Tau Alpha honor society. Now, as editor/digital content specialist for CMC Media & Marketing Group, Ali leads the ideation, conceptualization, and development of numerous health, wellness, business, sports, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope®, CityScope®, and Choose Chattanooga® magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia. She is also involved in content creation for Digital Smart Marketing customers and is the lead copywriter for the company’s social media sites.
