2019 has officially begun, and in honor of the New Year’s tradition, it’s time to pick out your resolution! Making a resolution is one thing but sticking to them is another. Whether it’s striving to lose that extra ten pounds or to exercise every day; the truth is, only 10 percent of people will follow through with their resolution. Why is that? Several factors can be at play: limited time, loss of interest, or halfhearted promises to yourself. In this post, we will explore some reasons why keeping your resolution is such a struggle, and how to avoid common roadblocks. 

1. You Don’t Have to Go It Alone! 

If you are driven to keep your resolution, try seeking out support or a motivating influence in another person. It has been found that positive support and motivation lead to higher success rates. If you want to go to the gym more, invite a friend or family member to join your workout.  

2. Make Your Resolutions Attainable 

It’s not a crime to shoot for the moon, but make sure your aim is right. If you over promise to a resolution you can’t keep, don’t make it. Going to the gym every day is not a feasible goal for most. Set a more attainable goal of going to the gym three times a week to start, and more often when time allows. 

3. Keep Yourself Motivated 

Losing interest over time is an extremely common burn out for resolution makers. You start out strong but, come February, you find other aspects in your life take priority over your goal. To help, make some markers throughout the year you need to hit by set times. If you want to lose weight, mark on a planner how much weight and by when, and also set a goal for yourself at the end of the year. Remember, though, make sure it’s attainable!  

4. Honesty Really is the Best Policy 

If you can’t be honest with yourself through this process (and that is what this is, a process) then you won’t achieve the results you want. Do you really want to lose weight, eat healthier, or exercise more, or are you making the resolution out of obligation? Make the resolutions ones you actually want to achieve.  

5. Warped Perceptions 

Don’t feel pressured to make a resolution just because it’s the New Year. If you don’t want to make the same resolution you didn’t complete last year, then don’t! It’s meant to be a time to reflect on the changes you will make for the coming year. What happened or didn’t happen last year is over. Now is the time to make strives FORWARD!  

6. Lack of Confidence 

Finally, you may feel less motivated throughout the year if you aren’t meeting ALL of those mini goals. Don’t sweat it! Give yourself a pat on the back and congratulate yourself for making the effort that week. That’s more than most people! Find that extra stamina for a big push to finish out the week and be confident that you CAN and WILL succeed. 

Resolutions are a great goal setting motivator for the New Year, and 2019 should be your year for big change! Keep in mind that change should be attainable throughout the year, make goals and benchmarks to stay on task, and stay positive. For motivation and more tips to stick with your resolution, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.