We know how hard it is to follow through with your New Year’s resolutions but why do we still make them?

At the start of every year, we look back at the year that was and either hope for a better year or wish that more joy and light come to our lives. So naturally, we’ll sort of review our weaknesses and strengths and what behaviors we could change. It’s just so much harder to commit to something during these uncertain times when the pandemic is still in control of our lives. Some find it overwhelming that resolutions might not even make it through January. But there are some ways to make New Year Resolutions more realistic that we could stick to them up until the end of 2022 and beyond.

New Year resolutions help us set our goals and dreams for the year. It’s definitely a good idea to break a bad habit and strive to build a healthy one. Often, the problem does not lie in our ability to fulfill the resolution but more so, because they are unrealistic, to begin with. You are setting yourself up for failure when you make a resolution that is not achievable, given your resources.

Cut yourself some slack because it’s very difficult to incorporate behavioral changes. You have to be extremely motivated and surrounded with positive support in order to make a change that lasts.

1. Start by setting a SMART goal.

It’s a famous acronym for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely. So since you’re sitting down to write your New Year resolutions, this is a good guideline to follow. There are higher chances that you will commit to this goal because you could see where it is heading. For example, your New year's resolution is to sleep daily at 11 pm and if you can’t, you’re allowed to sleep at 12 midnight for only twice a week. Compare this to a New Year's resolution that is just “I will go to sleep early.” The former suggests a course of action that is very specific compared to the second one that has no clear action stated.

2. Go for smaller resolutions.

Focus on one goal first before introducing another. Do a reality check if your New Year goal is really possible to be achieved within a certain time frame. Be honest with yourself if you could give the level of commitment needed to achieve your goal. You could adjust your goal accordingly so that you won’t end up frustrated in the long run.

3. Write down your goal and keep it.

Those who write down their goals feel more accountable for their actions. You even have a bigger chance to accomplish each when you write them down. It may be a bathroom mirror that you always see first thing in the morning. Or you may write it on a dry-erase whiteboard or stick it on a cork board. You may also pick up your journal and write down your New Year resolutions.

4. Let goal-setting apps help you achieve your goal.

Since you’re always on your phone, add apps that will help improve your mindset and create healthy habits for you. These apps usually have free guides to help you spot your negative thought patterns and unhealthy behaviors. You may also start subscribing to a meditation app that will help you focus on your goal and live in the present moment.

5. Publicize your resolutions.

If everyone in your circle knows that you are trying to achieve a goal, you are most likely to follow through and accomplish it. It is much harder for you to back out when there is already external pressure. This might not be a good idea for some because it could also lead to stress that will make you less productive. But it’s definitely one strategy that works if you need more motivation. It doesn’t hurt to try or see where it goes!

6. Plan ahead.

When the novelty wears off, it’s hard to follow through with your New Year’s resolution. Do not rely on your drive or willpower because it’s not always going to be there. You should plan ahead. Self suggests that if, for instance, your resolution is to lose weight so you are working out to shed some pounds. Schedule a whole week of exercise so you just have to follow the plan.

7. Check your progress regularly.

Go check on yourself to assess if you are hitting your goals. Regularly checking in will help you pinpoint what you are doing right and wrong, and also make tweaks with your original goal if it’s unrealistic. Change your goals and see if your lifestyle could really make it happen. If you have an accountability buddy, go share your assessment with him or her after you check up on yourself.

8. Celebrate small wins.

You’ll feel discouraged somewhere along the way if you don’t enjoy the process. You have to appreciate your growth throughout your journey so make sure to tap yourself on the shoulder every time you accomplish a task. Every time you finish a workout session is a step closer to your dream weight. You will have more willpower to get to the end if you celebrate your wins along the way.

9. Be kind to yourself.

If you make a mistake, sweat it out and try again. No journey or no human is perfect so you’re really bound to commit mistakes along the way. Laugh it out first and go back up again.

Tools for Your New Year’s Resolutions to Happen

Whatever your goal is, you must be efficient with your primary work as an employee or boss. You must finish your papers in school and study well for your exams. When you are able to do this efficiently, you would have more time and energy to give it your all in everything you do within and outside of it. Investing in ergonomic products will help you become more efficient and lessen body pain. FlexiSpot has a wide range of ergonomic options to choose from, gaming chairs to standing desks, desk converters to desk bikes, accessories, and more. As a New Year's treat, there are some products up for sale here.