4 Ways to Make Your New Years Resolutions Actually Stick

It’s that time again – time to start putting your New Year’s resolutions into practice. Unfortunately, it can be hard to stick to our resolutions even just a few weeks into the new year. But thanks to these helpful tips, you’ll be way more likely to meet your goals! Put these into practice and make 2020 yours!

1. Write Down Your Goals

If you really want to achieve something, you have to do more than just say you want to achieve it. One simple way to make your resolutions more powerful? Writing them down. This physical act can make your goals – and your commitment – more real. Then you can hang it on the wall, add it to a vision board, or put it on your desk. When you see your resolution every day, you’ll be more likely to remember it – and keep to it.

2. Have an Accountability Buddy

Unfortunately, it can be far too easy to let your resolutions slide when you’re the only one you’re answering to. If you’ve had a hard time holding yourself accountable, an accountability buddy may be just what you need. You can find a peer, friend, or mentor who can check in on you, motivate you, and keep you going. And in return, you can help keep them on track with their own goals, too. As an added bonus, this can help shake any feelings of isolation you can feel while trying to improve yourself. That sense of community

3. Weigh the Odds

It’s impossible to predict the future and know exactly what you can realistically achieve. However, you can take a tip from poker players and use their strategy to make an educated guess. When you assess the odds, you can weigh them and decide what resolutions you’re most likely to succeed at. For instance, say your resolution is getting a novel published. Those odds may be stacked against you, especially if you’re a new writer or don’t have a finished manuscript. Instead, take a more realistic approach and make a resolution to finish your first draft.

4. Take baby steps

There are few things more tempting than going hard after your goals. After all, you likely want to see the results of your resolutions as soon as possible. But remember, it’s important to break down your goals and take small steps toward your final goal. If your resolution is to make a career change, focus on each element. Make sure you have enough savings for your job hunt, redo your resume, and practice your interview skills. Celebrating each step will help you feel motivated, and breaking down your goal will help you achieve it successfully.

Sticking to your resolutions is anything but impossible. When you write them down, find accountability, determine what’s likely, and focus on simple steps, you can do anything. No matter how impressive, ambitious, or challenging your resolutions are, you can tackle them. Give yourself the best chance to succeed by following these tips and tricks. And when the next New Year comes around? You’ll be a brand new you.