Tips on Making New Year’s Resolutions That Stick

Are you making new year’s resolutions? Nearly half of Americans make them, but you might be dismayed to find out that a mere eight percent of people keep their resolutions. If you’re planning on achieving better health, flossing more frequently, quitting smoking, or any other health-boosting resolution, here are some tips on making your promises to yourself stick.

Make Your Resolutions Reasonable

Don’t resolve to lose 50 lbs, for example; instead, think of one small change you can make to increase the odds that you’ll lose some weight. One of our favorite new year’s resolutions is to floss every day. If you’re not flossing at all now, think about a way you can improve. Maybe you can start by flossing just one tooth each day. Once you have that down as a habit, add in the other teeth. Or make a deal with yourself that you’ll floss every Thursday night while you watch Grey’s Anatomy. (We do want you flossing more than once per week, but some flossing is better than no flossing, so start where it makes sense to you.)

Talk About Your Resolutions With Others

Telling your family and friends what you’re resolving might help you be accountable. If you’re trying to quit smoking, for example, tell your doctor, your family, and your best friend. Tell your dentist, too. Not only can these people provide tips and support but they’ll also hold you to your promise. If you feel like you can’t let them down, you might be more likely to stick to your resolution.

Be Specific

You need to make a specific resolution. Resolving to “get healthy” or “get organized” doesn’t really mean anything; one person’s idea of healthy might be eating a vegetable per day, while someone else’s means to run five miles per day. Write down a specific goal and then think about the steps you need to take to achieve that goal.

Making new year’s resolutions is a yearly tradition for some people. Make this the year you’ll stick to yours by making them small, talking about them, and being specific.