2016… You were the good, the bad, and the ugly. Thankfully, it is time to start anew. In an attempt to make your life better than the year before, it is tradition to come up with a list of new year resolutions. However, it is hard to keep your resolutions going and will end up being dumped by, at latest, mid-year… but most of the time before January is even over.
So here’s some psychological tricks to give your resolutions a fighting chance.
1) Only Make One Resolution
Most people try to make a list of several items they would like to change about themselves. They will start themselves are new routines, and after a couple of weeks of doing so… it is too overwhelming and they revert to their old habits. If you focus all your attention to one way to better yourself, you are more likely to succeed in your endeavor.
2) Make It An Attainable Goal
Shaking hands with president-elect Donald Trump is not an attainable goal… sorry. Even if your uncle is best friends with the assistant to the secretary of the vice president’s wife… it is most likely NOT going to happen. However, instead of drinking 3 cups of coffee a day; drinking two cups is a much more reasonable and healthy goal.
3) Complete It With A Buddy
It is a proven psychological fact that people tend to become more productive when motivated by a close friend or family member. Asking your best friend, significant other, or sibling to improve in an aspect of both of your lives will increase your chances of the duration length that this resolution continues. As one might lose motivation, the other will endure and vice versa!
4) Know How To Ask For Help
If you want a buddy’s help or involvement in your resolution, knowing how to ask is key. There are two effective ways:
The Foot-in-the-Door Technique- asking your friend for small favors, slowing increasing their degree of commitment, they are more likely to agree to the item you actually wanted.
The Door-in-the-Face Technique-asking your friend for an outrageous favor first will make the favor you actually wanted seem more desirable. This will increase your chances of them agreeing to it.
5) Make Your Resolution an Enjoyable One
Trying to achieve a goal you will dread will only make you less motivated to get it done. If the goal you are attempting to attain is something you have always wanted in yourself, or something you might be interested in; you are much more likely to achieve it.
Remember, the best part about the new year, is a partial new you. So… while inventing your new self, always enjoy the adventure!
