How to Make a New Year’s Resolution that Sticks!
When was the last time you made a New Year’s resolution that you were able to stick with? You know the drill, you start out strong, and then a few weeks in your resolve fades and you abandon your goal. Studies show only 8 percent of the population follows through on their resolutions. In fact, 68 percent of people making a New Year’s resolution fail before February 1. January 17th has even become known as “National Quitters Day”!
How can you keep yourself accountable?
To achieve your goal, you will need to break it down and identify all the parts and habits that are creating the behavior you want to change.
That means you need to:
- Identify your “why” for your resolutions
- Understand your habits
- Plan for new routines
- Find your people
- Allow for failure
- Believe in yourself
First of all, ask yourself WHY you care about this new goal. For example, for weight loss your “why” could be to keep up with your children. You can write your “why” onto a sticky note and tape it to your bathroom mirror for added motivation each day.
Once you have established your why, then identify any habits that may be blocking you from success. If a healthy body is your goal, you need to address all your eating habits – what you are eating, when you are eating and why are you eating (is it to fill an emotional void)? What kind of foods are you shopping for and keeping in the house? How often are you eating out? List them all out.
Next you should plan for new routines. For example, if you had a stressful day at work, you may “reward” yourself with a glass of wine. What new habit can you replace the wine with that would also provide stress relief? Perhaps it is a 20-minute walk outside, doing yoga or some deep breathing exercises.
Next, ask yourself how you will find your people and support system. That’s where Cōpare’s health coaches can step in and help keep you accountable! We meet with our clients once per week, either remotely or in-person, listening and providing guidance to help keep you on track with your health goals. Our clients tell us that the increased accountability plays are huge part in their success.
Whether you’re struggling with cravings, finding the motivation to keep up with your fitness routine, or having difficulty managing stress, a Cōpare health coach can help you establish the structure you need to make progress toward your goals. Our trained coaches will help you identify the easiest changes to make today that will make the biggest impact on your health for a lifetime. A Cōpare health coach can provide you with information that’s tailored to your individual challenges or goals, and most importantly give you the time and space to ask questions, be yourself, and speak openly in a supportive environment.
Studies show that you’re more likely to succeed when you have guidance and accountability. Regular weekly check-ins with your Cōpare health coach make you accountable for your choices in a way that is both motivating and encouraging. A Cōpare health coach can help you both set and reconnect with your primary goals and what may be preventing you from achieving them.
You also need to allow for some failure. Realize that not every day will be perfect. You may revert back to old habits from time to time. Instead of quitting, recognize the stressor or the cue that caused the bad habit, and work with your Cōpare coach to make a plan to deal with it the next time it happens.
Lastly, believe in yourself! We at Cōpare believe in you and will help guide you to the finish line to reach your health goals in the New Year!
