Ensure Your New Year's Resolution Success

It's easy to make New Year's resolutions but keeping them can be challenging. Psychologists have researched the phenomenon of New Year's resolutions, and the findings tell us three basic things: most Americans make at least one resolution; within a few months, half the resolutions are broken; and, in the end, only 20% of resolutions are completely achieved. But, fear not, resolution makers -- Here are nine keys to successful (and lasting!) New Year's resolutions.

1. Plan ahead. A sure-fire road to resolution failure is to make them at the last minute. If you wait until New Year’s Eve and don’t put a lot of thought into them, you’re destined to fail. If you take some time and think carefully about the choices and obligations you’re committing yourself to, you have a much better chance of succeeding.

2. Avoid absolutes. When you make your list, even if it is made up of only a single resolution, don’t use the words “ever” or “never.” It’s better to try to lower your intake of high-calorie desserts than to say you’ll never have pie again.

3. Have a clear vision. Picture yourself as a winner -- someone who can accomplish anything you put your mind to.

4. Be reasonable. Understand that achieving resolutions takes time and that initial victories are part of the process, not the final goal. For example, if your target is weight loss (and that is, indeed, the goal for the majority of resolution makers) don’t let your initial success go to your head.  You won’t lose the same 3 pounds as easily in the weeks and months ahead of you.

5. Plan for failure. One part of having reasonable goals is that you’re better able to deal with the occasional failure.  That’s not pessimistic, it’s realistic. Try to predict where your obstacles lay and plan how you’ll deal with them when they pop up.

6. Write it down. Just declaring to yourself that you want to get in better shape doesn’t seem nearly as much of a commitment as putting it on paper. We’re not just talking about the goal itself; we’re including the benchmarks along the way. Don’t say “I will work out,” say “I will work out Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the gym.” And put it on your calendar, too.

7. Chart your progress. Keep records of your weight loss, pounds lifted or drawers cleaned out. The record of your success is a reward in itself.

8. Reward yourself. It’s good psychology to set up rewards not only at the end of the path, but along the way. Give yourself a treat when you reach your diet goals -- of course, the treat should be non-caloric.

9.Try and try again. Persistence pays off. Of the people who successfully reach their goals, only 40% do so on the first attempt.  Treat those obstacles as learning experiences and get back on the road to meeting your goals.

If your goal is weight loss, keep in mind that reaching and maintaining a healthy weight is a great way to lower your health insurance premiums. If you are looking to make some changes to your policy, let NetQuote help! We can connect you with agents who can discuss policy changes and even save you money.

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