The New Year is rapidly approaching, and everyone is making resolutions. Goals like losing weight, eating better, and quitting smoking are popular. While these are great resolutions, they can be difficult to keep. Read on to learn how to achieve these goals in the New Year.

Losing Weight

scale with measuring tape and apple on it

The majority of us want to shed some pounds in the New Year. Rearranging your schedule to include gym (or home) workouts is tough enough, and your busy life can sometimes get in the way of this resolution.

You may not achieve your goal if your resolution isn't specific enough. Rather than saying, "I want to lose weight," say, "I want to lose 50 pounds by this time next year." Now your goal is clearer and you can work to achieve it.

Eating Better

overhead shot of fruit and dark chocolate bar

Not everyone is looking to lose weight; for some, keeping away from junk food is the goal. This is another resolution that will quickly fail without a specific plan. Keep a food journal and document what you're eating. You'll be able to go back, identify problem areas, and decide how to fix them.

Another way to cut out unhealthy food is to start meal prepping. You'll be eating healthier food and saving money (which just happens to be another popular resolution).

Acquiring A New Skill

woman preparing food

Many people want to learn something new in the New Year, whether that's picking up a language or learning how to cook without setting off the smoke detectors. To make this kind of resolution a success, you'll need to set a specific goal for yourself based on your preferences and lifestyle.

If you want to learn a new language, are you planning to pay for classes, or will you use an app? How much time are you planning to set aside to learn your new skill? Take these questions into consideration, make a plan for yourself, and you'll have an easier time sticking to your resolution.

Spending More Time With People

friends eating together

Adulthood often robs us of the time to see friends and family. It doesn't seem like such a big deal at first until you realize you haven't seen your best friend in six months or your mother in almost a year. This resolution is tricky, because you'll need to coordinate with others to make it happen.

Once you've decided to see loved ones more often, find a way to follow through. Start with one person you'd like to see more often and go from there. Get in touch with them and schedule a weekly or monthly meeting. Have coffee, make dinner, or go see a movie! If you can afford to see one friend on a more frequent basis, chances are you'll be able to squeeze another friend or two into your schedule.

Taking Care Of Yourself

young girl reading

Your busy life can easily keep you from taking good care of yourself. It's not uncommon for people to experience burnout or fatigue. Perhaps you'd love to travel or take a few days off for self-care, but you can't just skip out on responsibilities at work and home.

Instead, try to do little things throughout the week. Set aside time to read a chapter of a book you love before bed, take a bath once a week, or even just sit quietly for a few moments each day. Apps like Headspace and Calm can help with mental health and self-care, so you'll always have a helping hand.

Tips For Keeping Your Resolutions

a list of new years resolutions

Every resolution can be a successful one if you follow these tips. What makes an effective resolution is your attitude and devotion to your specific goals.

  • Don't make vague resolutions. Without a specific plan, you'll quickly give up on your goals because they weren't concrete enough to follow.
  • Write down your goals. A definitive goal is easier to achieve. Even if you're not used to it, be sure to write down your goals or progress.
  • Take things slowly. If you expect results in just a few weeks, you're bound for disappointment. Altering your lifestyle takes time and effort, so take things at your own pace.
  • It's okay to fail along the way. You're probably not going to work out every day or eat better all the time in the beginning. Accept that you're human and that adjusting your lifestyle will take some time.

These tips will turn your resolutions from pipe dreams into a reality. You've got this!

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