How To Keep A New Year’s Resolution

Every year, we think about New Year’s resolutions. Then, in about a week, we lose them, break them, forget about them. You are not alone. Here are tips from professional on how to keep any resolution you make for 2016.

2016 will bring the same old resolutions… going to the gym, better eating habits, going to Dunkin Donuts everyday, watching the bottom line more, getting the bills paid off, and many more.

However, without a plan of action, you will break your resolution by January 24, 2016. This day is already being called 'Fail Friday' after it was revealed it's the date most people lose their will power.

According to INStyle.com, research shows "only 8% of people actually end up keeping their resolutions, and there’s an actual scientific reason. Self-restraint is a desire that comes from the front of the brain - the part that has more recently evolved, so survival instincts and primitive feelings (like pleasure) can kick in and overrule it. When we give in to our desires, like not being healthy when we've said we were going to be, we get a whole jolt of dopamine which we like, even though the more evolved part of the brain knows ultimately we'll regret it".

Here’s how to keep your 2016 New Year's Resolutions according to INStyle.com

1.    Make them realistic. Don't promise to transform your whole life

2.    Set short-term specific goals you can feel good about when you succeed, like those two yoga classes a week instead of something vague like ‘get fit’.

3.    Actually factor in time to do your resolution, if that’s what’s required. Set aside evenings to go to the gym, for example.

4.    Do it with a pal. Fitness classes and gym trips are infinitely funner when you’re with a friend – and you’ll feel less weird about your new healthy diet.

5.    Tell people about them, so then – basically – you’ll feel guilty and silly about not keeping them.

6.    Keep track of your accomplished goals – in an old-fashioned notepad OR an app.

7.    Don’t totally give up just because you aren’t perfect at the beginning of January . Just make a conscious effort to get back to it everyday.

8.    Know that the more willpower you exert, the easier it will get. Instead of being something you either have or don’t, practice will make it easier.

9.    Only make a couple of resolutions, rather than loads you probably won't keep. It’s good to be optimistic but you’ve gadda be realistic.

10. Self-restraint can lower your blood glucose levels so boost them back up with a glass of orange juice or lemonade to keep your resolutions on track.

11. Make it something you actually want to do – or you’ve no chance in keeping it.

12. Plan ahead. Don’t just make a snap decision but put thought into it before the 31^st.

13. Reward yourself – not with something self-defeating (though tempting), like having a chocolate bar after the gym, but with a new pair of shoes or something to reward yourself.

14. Be patient. Word is it takes 21 days for something to be habit, so stick at it
All of these points are to encourage, not discourage. I personally plan on one resolution a year. Generally, it is to get a handle on the finances each year and to hit Dunkin Donuts everyday. Each year I end up a little short.

Hang in there and good luck.

By the way, a "Resolution to not make a resolution" is really a 'resolution' by the way.