Have you made your New Year’s resolution for 2015 yet?
A good portion of people make resolutions at the start of every year. But what’s the best way to make your goals achievable?
In this post, we’re going to share some interesting statistics about New Year’s resolutions, reveal some strategies to ensure their success, and give tips for increasing your overall wellness (which should always be one of your top resolutions).
Studies show:
- 40-45% of North American adults make one of more resolutions each year.
- The most popular New Year’s resolutions involve weight loss, exercise, and quitting smoking.
Here’s how many people keep their resolutions after specific periods of time:
- Past the first week: 75%
- Past two weeks: 71%
- After one month: 64%
- After six months: 46%
The same research shows people who make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who don’t make resolutions. So make it count!
Regardless of what your resolution(s) may be, use the S.M.A.R.T. system to increase your chances of attaining your goals.
What is S.M.A.R.T.?
S = Specific
What exactly do you want to accomplish? Do you want to lose 10 lbs? 30? Define the specific goal that you are aiming for. Identify variables such as where you will work toward your goal (at the gym, outdoors, Pilates in your living room, etc.), when (how many times per week), why you want to achieve this goal (to keep you motivated), a time frame (when do you want to achieve it by), and identify all constraints that could keep you from achieving your goal so that when they arise you know how to push through. With more focus, your chances for success increase.
M = Measurable
This one is simple; you need to be able to track your progress and see tangible results. The whole point of making a goal is to get results, after all. This plays off of making it specific, if your goal is to lose 10 lbs, stepping on the scale is going to measure your success and when you see your weight dropping, you’ll know you are succeeding towards your goal. If you just want to “look toned”, you can measure your success by tracking how many times you went to the gym that week, monthly photographs of your body, increasing your lifting weight, etc. Experiencing smaller accomplishments delivers positive reinforcement, sometimes providing the necessary boost you need to keep going.
A = Achievable
The ultimate purpose of making a resolution is to experience the feelings associated with achieving success. If you set your sights too high, it’s unlikely you’ll ever get to experience those feelings of success, instead your feelings are more likely to be associated with faulure. Change your viewpoint to see setbacks as opportunities to practice your will power and resolve, and not as examples of inabilities.
R = Relevant
Ask yourself, “what makes this resolution meaningful to me?” Your goals are more likely to be successful if they are significant 
to you and where you’re at in life. Think of the impact it will have on your life in the days, weeks, months, or years ahead. When you connect with its value, you’re more likely to invest the time and energy to make the goal happen. Your goal also needs to be realistic and shouldn’t damage other aspects of your life. For example, don’t make a goal to quit your job with no plans on other sources of income, or plan to lose weight with no intentions of exercising.
T = Time Sensitive
Putting a time frame on your resolution gives you more focus and motivation. Anyone who wants to accomplish something “someday” or “eventually” will never accomplish anything. It’s easier to break down your goal into smaller steps and time frames with an ending date.
This year, make one of your resolutions to take good care of your mind and body. Every other goal you set for 2015 will work better when you enjoy good health. So remember to…
Get regular chiropractic adjustments to keep your body aligned (and in it’s natural self-healing state!)
Exercise regularly – movement prolongs the life of all bodily functions.
Maintain a healthy diet.
Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily.
Think positively – good thoughts lead to good feelings, and good feelings contribute to good health.
Sleep at least 7-9 hours per night – sleep is restorative for all systems of the body.
Most importantly, focus on being happy! Start by appreciating what you have now. Then, look forward to your New Year’s resolution as a means to enhance your life!