How to Stay on Top of Your New Year's Resolutions in 2017 | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

How to Stay on Top of Your New Year's Resolutions in 2017

it's easy to lose momentum...

24
How to Stay on Top of Your New Year's Resolutions in 2017

Forever, we have heard of "New Year's Resolutions". Usually compared to things given up for Lent,or going on a diet, a resolution commonly includes giving up something, often a type of food, drink, or unhealthy habit. Or they can be something we commit ourselves to doing. Like going to the gym every single day, or getting more than 6 hours of sleep/night. While resolutions are usually good intention-ed, rarely do they stick. Why is this? It's because we start the year with our resolution fresh in our mind. The first weeks of January, gyms are packed with people desperately trying to work off holiday meals, and those staying true to their new yea's workout resolutions. However, as the year starts to frag on, we lose the momentum we had in the beginning. Maybe we forget why we made it in the first place Or maybe other things creep up as priorities, and the resolution that seemed so important at the time, falls the the wayside. So, here are some things we can do to stay on top of our resolutions...

1.) Define your resolution with specific goals.

A resolution shouldn't be to "lose weight" or "eat healthy". These are vague. In order to stay on top of our goals and to make actual progress, our goals and resolutions need to be tangible and track-able. Instead, try "Make two healthy meals per week" or "Go to the gym 5 times a week". These are black and white and much easier to manage and see results.

2.) Track results.

If you made your goals specific enough, you should be able to record your progress. Say your goal was to make two healthy meals per week. Well, then make a spreadsheet on your computer or write a list in your calendar, and simply check if you met the goal for that week or not. Looking back through your progress will help prevent slippage and mid-year faltering.

3.) Write it down, type it up, print it out, whatever your fancy, get it on paper!

It's been proven that writing things down helps us to commit it to memory. So do it! Writing it in a cute font will make you happier as well.

4.) Put it somewhere you will see it. Somewhere you'll see it. every. single. day.

This one is all about consistency. Reminding yourself of your goal every single day is crucial to success.

5.) Write a letter to yourself in July and December, from your January 1st self.

Write a letter to yourself both 6, and 12 months from the day you made your resolution. In these letters, write how much you want to succeed, and why you're doing it. When you open these in months' time, you will be reminded why you did this to start with.

So, I hope these tips will help you to achieve your new year's resolutions. Good luck!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

2587
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

17096
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3670
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments