Tips for Making Resolutions That Last
By Dr. Tamara Knapp-Grosz, Senior Director of Counseling and Testing Services
Every year it seems like it is always the same thing-we make well intentioned New Year’s Resolutions only to be disappointed a few weeks later when we fail to keep them. Here are some simple tips for making your resolutions last:
1. Write them down! Research consistently shows that when we write our goals down we are much more likely to be successful!
2. Instead of making long-term resolutions begin by making a commitment to “practice your change” for the next 21 days. Practice for a minimum of 21 days typically becomes a lifelong habit!
3. Find an accountability partner! Change is so much more fun when you have someone to cheer you on and share the challenges. Best of all an accountability partner can help you be more successful at achieving your New Year’s Resolution!
4. Recognize it is OK to have some setbacks now and then. Maybe even to miss a day occasionally. The key is not to punish yourself or worse give up altogether. Each day after a setback is a new day to start again!
5. Finally, celebrate your successes! Make a plan to celebrate your successes along the way with something positive! After your first 21 days do something special with your accountability partner. Keep celebrating by planning something fun every few weeks!
Soon the results you get from keeping your resolution will be reinforcement enough to keep you motivated and moving forward!
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