Most Common Resolutions & Tips to Keep Them

We are almost one full week into 2015, and for most people, the New Year’s resolution drive is on full speed. Unfortunately, most of this speed and motivation will begin to slow down during the next few weeks, before coming to a sudden halt sometime in February.

Here are a few of the most commonly dropped resolutions, with tips to better keep them in 2015:

Lose weight/Get fit/Be healthy.

Many pledge to lose weight, get fit, and follow a healthy diet in the New Year, but goals like these are too broad to maintain. Instead of saying you want to “lose weight,” set one long-term goal and several short-term goals. For instance, if your long-term goal is to run a 10k, follow a training plan that will slowly help you reach your goal. If you’re hoping to lose 15 pounds over the course of the year, pledge to lose a fraction of that every month, and keep yourself accountable by using a food diary app, like My Fitness Pal. The satisfaction you’ll gain from achieving your short-term goals will only serve to motivate you on your journey to long-term success.

Recycle/Volunteer.

Whether it’s to your environment or to your community, many people resolve to give back in the New Year. In order to maintain these resolutions in 2015 and into the future, find ways to embrace them as a part of your daily routine. For instance, set up a recycling bin in the kitchen, next to your trash can, where you have no excuse but to fill it. Mark your calendar and set alerts for collection days so that you don’t miss them. If you’re hoping to volunteer, set a concrete goal of how many hours you’d like to volunteer each month, and make yourself accountable by signing up for an event or committing to volunteer with a friend.

Save money/Budget.

Trying to save money in the New Year? Resolve to put x% of your monthly income into your savings, and pledge to not spend it. If you need to improve upon your budgeting techniques, create a spreadsheet detailing to the cent how much you plan to spend on bills, food, and miscellaneous items each month. Track each purchase, and always plan ahead.

Quit smoking/Drink less alcohol.

Quitting habits, especially addictive ones, can be incredibly difficult. If you find that you are struggling to keep this resolution, find a support group with people going through the same thing as you. Remember: it’s always okay to seek professional help.

The key to achieving any major goal is to set small milestones for yourself along the way. With each milestone you pass, you’ll be one step closer to your goal, gaining confidence and self-assurance along the way.

Happy New Year! If there’s anything we can do to help in the New Year regarding insurance for your health, life, car, and more, contact us today!