How to Make a Lasting New Year’s Resolution

“This year I will ______________________.”

That one simple sentence can lead to major changes in our lives or be a source of anxiety or depression. Too often, we start out with high hopes and great expectations that this fresh year will be different and then we get consumed with all the things that stood in our way before. We’re left disappointed and resolving never to make resolutions again.

In fact, it happens so often that there’s a day dedicated to it: Ditch the New Year’s Resolution Day, January 17.

This year could be different. Just because it hasn’t worked in the past, doesn’t mean it never will. People who make explicit resolutions are 10 times more likely to achieve their goals, according to the  Statistic Brain Research Institute. That could be you. Start by taking a thoughtful approach to making your resolutions that will set you up for success.

• Rather than jumping into what you want to “fix,” take stock of what’s working. What is going well? What have you been doing right? Give yourself some credit as you identify your own strengths.
• Think about why you want to make a particular resolution. Do you want to lose weight so you can keep up with your children? Do you want to exercise more so you will have more energy? Keeping this in mind will help you stay on track.
• Recognize what’s been holding you back. Why haven’t you been able to make these changes before? What will you do differently this time?
• Break it down into reasonable, positive steps. What needs to happen first? Then what? And after that? Try taking it just one month, or one week or one day at a time to avoid getting overwhelmed.
• Write it down. Just putting something on paper helps to set you up for success.
• Make it easier. Schedule the time on your calendar. Get the supplies you will need and make them accessible. In order for change to last, it has to become a natural part of your life.
• Share your resolution with a friend or two who will encourage you and help you stay on track.
• Don’t get discouraged. You may find yourself lapsing into old habits. You may find it difficult to keep up with the changes you’ve outlined. So make adjustments. Maybe you’re trying to do too much at once. Maybe you didn’t anticipate how difficult something would be. Don’t give up, just take a look at what you put down for step 2 and go through the process again.

You can improve your wellness with Just One step at a time. Get a mammogram once a year, do a breast self-exam just once a month, do a set of pelvic perches to improve your pelvic health just once a day. It’s easy to remember with an Ella Health Essentials card available at our centers.