NATIONWIDE — For some, the start of the new year and a new decade is a chance 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 into the new year, they lose the motivation.
No matter what you want to work on, here are some of the most popular New Year’s resolutions Americans make every year:
- Exercise more
- Quit smoking
- Be more organized
- Learn a new skill/hobby
- Travel more
- Save money
- Volunteer
- Spend more time with family and friends
- Drink less alcohol
- Read more books
However, if you want to stick to your resolution, it takes a lot more work. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, only 46 percent of people who made New Year’s resolutions were successful. Changing habits take time and practice.
According to the American Psychological Association, people can set themselves up for success by setting small, achievable goals. When setting your resolution, try to be realistic and make clear steps to achieve your goals. It’s also a good idea to setting up progress checks points to ensure you are on 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 cheer you on along the way.
And at the end of the day, remember to not beat yourself up if you start to struggle. Missteps in the process are normal and don't give up even if it gets a little tough. Everyone has their ups and downs, but we all have the ability to get back on track.
