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Keeping Your Resolutions in 2016
January 13, 2016

According to Forbes Magazine, 45% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions each year, but only 8% keep them. At least 1 out of every 3 people who make New Year’s resolutions dismisses them by the end of January. The top reasons given include being too busy or not being committed to their vows in the first place. Only 49% of Americans reported having had rare successes in the past with their New Year’s resolutions, and 24% of Americans reported having FAILED at their New Year’s resolutions EVERY SINGLE YEAR. While New Year’s resolutions vary from personal to fitness related goals, losing weight was the number one ranked New Year’s resolution of 2015. So why do some people fail at setting goals, and what are the secrets behind those who are succeeding at them? Here are some tips on how to keep your New Year’s resolutions this year.

- Make it something you really want or love and not something you dread.
- Exercising may be more fun when partaking in a workout class with a friend.
- Limit your list of resolutions to a number you can handle. Be sure to keep them simple.
- Only focus your efforts on two or three resolutions.
- Choose them carefully.

  1. Make a plan and set short-term goals to see long-term results.
  2. Outline small, manageable steps to reach your goal and take notes.
  3. Do not try and change your life all at once.
  4. Make the resolution about the journey, not the outcome.
  5. Have a support system and use a buddy.
  6. Keep records and track progress.
  7. Reassess your resolutions and schedule check-ins for when life becomes busy and you forget.
  8. Schedule days throughout the year beforehand to check your progress towards your resolutions.
  9. Celebrate small victories.
  10. Choose rewards that do not work against your goal.
  11. Do not give up so easily, do not beat yourself up, and do not let failure stop you. Stick to it, and keep trying!

Set SMART goals.

S: SPECIFIC: You are more likely to achieve a specific goal versus a general goal.
M: MEASURABLE: Know how to measure progress towards your goal. This allows you to stay on track and achieve by your end goal date.
A: ATTAINABLE: Know how to make important goals come true to you by developing the correct attitude, ability, knowledge, skill, and financial capacity to reach them. Set a time frame for goals to make these steps. While they should challenge you, make a plan for how to carry out the steps to reach your goals.
R: REALISTIC: You have to be willing and able to do work to meet a realistic goal. You are the only person to determine how high your goal can be. A high goal is easier to reach than a low one often because low goals promote low motivational force.
T: TIMELY: You must have a time frame, or there is no sense of urgency to do so. It must be within a realistic time frame as well.

Janelle Medernach, Registered DieticianFor more help on keeping your resolutions in 2016, contact our Nutrition Services Department and schedule your one-on-one consultation with our Registered Dietician. You may schedule your appointment by calling 309-449-4332. Join the Hopedale Wellness Center and receive your first consultation with Janelle Medernach for FREE!