If you’ve abandoned the promises you made to yourself at the start of the year, you’re not alone. Research indicates that most people giving up new habits after just seven weeks!
There are so many reasons why sticking to resolutions might be so challenging. From work pressures to busy family lives, diversions appear from all angles. Perfectionism also gets in the way, with some of us quick to abandon goals after one slip-up.
Don’t panic if this sounds familiar. In this guide, we’ve explained how to take a step back and reset your priorities to honour your New Year’s resolutions in a realistic way.
How to restart your New Year’s Resolutions: Our 3 top tips
1. Compartmentalise
If your New Year’s resolution was to get healthier or simply do more exercise, then it’s hardly surprising if you’ve struggled to stick to it!
According to a YouGov survey for 2024, at least 56% of those making a resolution aim to improve their fitness. That’s almost 10% of all Britons making a huge commitment, but also one that requires careful planning and some lifestyle changes too.
It’s possible that your fitness resolution is too generic. To help yourself think of a plan and stick to it, you need to be specific! Whether you choose jogging, swimming, cycling, or just kicking a ball with the kids, there are so many ways to get active. You need to have a plan – and make the time to make sure it happens.
2. Figure out what’s stopping you
Sometimes, it’s not the nature of your resolutions getting in your way. Whether you’re feeling demotivated, or you simply can’t find the time to meet your goals, it’s time to take a step back and think about the situation.
Your resolution needs to be one you can make part of your routine. If it’s a major change, it might not be realistic to expect a smooth transition. For example, if you want to save for a deposit towards a house but you’re in debt now, it’s a good idea to work on your credit score first.
Try to find a new route towards achieving your goal – or incentivise yourself differently to achieve it. Always reward yourself for completing something that contributes towards your resolution, even if you think it’s small.
3. Persevere
You can achieve amazing things with a growth mindset. This means that your attitude is forever evolving and responding to your experiences, thinking about the bigger picture rather than singling out your successes and failures.
Mistakes are almost always likely to happen when you make a New Year’s resolution. Give yourself some grace and recognise that this is part of the process. This mindset and approach will help you to grow as a person and nurture your success in the future.
If you’ve slipped up once, keep working towards your goals. Stay positive, don’t beat yourself up, and make sure you’re not taking on too many things at once!
