5 Ways To KEEP Your New Year’s Resolutions

A new year has begun and everyone is making resolutions to improve themselves.  Whether it be to get fit and healthy, to save money, or to find a job that you love, resolutions are never easy to keep.  Here are 5 ways to help you achieve all your resolutions.

Every year it is the same story.  We make these resolutions and do good for a month or two and then fall off.  We get so caught up with life, that we forget our goals.  Let's do things different this year.  Let's actually keep our resolutions.  Hopefully this list will help you!

1. Set Realistic and Specific Goals

You don't want to set a goal that is ridiculous like I'm not going to eat any sugar all year.  Come on, sugar is everywhere.  So make a goal that you know you can achieve.  And be specific!  The more vague the more likely you will stray.  Here's an example:  I want to get healthy so I am going to cut out as much sugar as I can by eliminating desserts and replacing sugary snacks with fresh fruits and vegetables.

2. Write down a plan and take small steps.

Writing things down always makes it official.  Create a plan and don't try to get it all done at once.  For example:  Say you want to open a savings account and start saving money.  Plan it out.  Out of every check, I will set aside at least $25.  It might not sound like a lot, but after a couple months it will start to add up.  If you get a bigger check, set aside more.  After a while you won't miss the $25 dollars anymore and it will become habit.

3. Get a Partner

If you have someone with similar goals working with you, then your goals just got a little easier.  Example:  You and your BFF want to lose weight and get fit.  Work out together.  This way if one of you is trying to skip out the other can put you in check.  Plus you can be each others motivators.  And if you cheat on your diet, take a pic and send it to your friend so that you will feel accountable for your misstep.

4. Make Technology Your Friend

Now a days there is an app for everything.  You can find apps to help you with healthy recipes, work out regimens, stress relievers and even ways to cut your budget.  Use them!  You will also be able to track your progress on your phone and get reminders about your work out session or Dr. appointments and such.

5. Reward Yourself!

This is a very important step in reaching your goals.  Now it might sound a little childish to reward yourself for good behavior, but it works.  Now this doesn't mean that you can have a cheat day and eat nothing but junk all day.  Instead, after you lose your first 5 pounds treat yourself to a small frozen yogurt or a movie with a friend.

These tips will definitely help you keep up with your resolutions and make a difference in you lifestyle.  Good luck!

What are some ways you plan on keeping your resolutions?