AROUND THE NATION: For some, the beginning of the new year and the new decade is an opportunity to make life changes in the form of New Year’s resolutions. Every year, millions of people decide they want to make a change for the better, but a few weeks after the new year, they lose motivation.
No matter what you want to work on, here are some of the most popular New Year’s resolutions Americans make each year:
- Get more exercise
- Stop smoking
- Be more organized
- Learn a new skill / hobby
- Travel more
- Save money
- Volunteers
- Spend more time with family and friends
- Drink less alcohol
- Read more books
However, if you want to comply with your resolution, you need a lot more work. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, only 46% of people who made New Year’s resolutions were successful. Changing habits requires time and practice.
According to the American Psychological Association, people can set small, achievable goals for success. When defining your resolution, try to be realistic and take clear steps to achieve your goals. It’s also a good idea to set up progress checkpoints to make sure you’re on the right track.
Don’t be afraid to ask for support. You can do this by sharing your experiences with friends and family, or join a support group to encourage you along the way.
And in the end, remember not to beat yourself up if you start fighting. Wrong steps in the process are normal and don’t give up even if it gets a little difficult. Everyone has their ups and downs, but we all have the ability to get back on track.