How to make New Year’s resolutions you can keep

(Warsaw, IN – December 29, 2023) – The success rate for New Year’s resolutions is not very impressive. 

Various surveys suggest that less than half of Americans set resolutions at the start of the year, and the majority of those people fail to keep their resolutions. So why bother?

Well, why not? We’re allowed to make changes in our lives, and we’re certainly allowed to improve ourselves and make ourselves happier. Making a public or private resolution to change, improve, or add something to our lives is a worthy goal to pursue. 

“It’s important to consider what YOU want your goals to be,” says Bowen Health Clinic Therapist, Holly Hirschy-Hurd. “Sometimes we can fall into the trap of making goals based on what other people view as important instead of our own beliefs and values.”

When setting resolutions, take time to reflect on the change you wish to see and what you realistically can do to achieve that change. It’s OK to be optimistic, but when setting goals, it’s good to recognize your limitations and set realistic expectations. 

Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to do too much at once. Identify several potential lifestyle and behavioral changes but work on one or two at a time. Make sure you consider the things that could get in the way of accomplishing your goal and then build in ways to overcome those obstacles. The problems will guide the way towards solutions.

Being specific about the goals you set will help you create realistic and attainable goals. Instead of making a bunch of sweeping New Year’s resolutions, create a few realistic goals that will have a long-lasting impact on your mental health and happiness. Don’t be afraid to choose goals that challenge you as long as you remember that nothing changes overnight.

Don’t be afraid to seek out support. Supporters can help you achieve your goals with positive reinforcement, provide helpful feedback, and offer you the resources you need. It might be helpful to find an accountability partner to help monitor your progress, or you could keep a journal to track your progress and document your feelings about your goals and what obstacles you face.

“Success can look differently for everyone,” says Ms. Hirschy-Hurd. “Recognize the small movements forward and learn from the movements in between those steps forward.”

Share what you want with who you want. Keep people who love you in the loop. Evidence shows that sharing your intentions with other people leads to more resolutions being met. Still, not everyone thrives on the social pressure of making their goals public. 

Going public with a resolution is a double-edged sword: it increases your commitment but also opens the door for awkward conversations and embarrassment if you fall short. Consider what works best for you.

Most importantly, throughout all of this, be kind to yourself. Change can be hard and often takes time. Offer yourself flexibility and give yourself grace. If you don’t do well this month, try again next month.

You are here and doing your best, and that’s what counts.