Looking ahead: How to choose and maintain a New Year’s resolution

By: 
Rebecca Snyder

        Though we’re still in full “holiday mode,” 2024 isn’t that far away.
        The start of the New Year marks a time when many feel optimistic and refreshed, ready for the upcoming year. A New Year’s resolution is a personal goal or habit set to start on January first and continue throughout the year.
        Often, these goals are chosen to create a positive change in life. Perhaps you have been wanting to start a new hobby, eat healthier, exercise more or spend more time with loved ones. Creating a resolution may be the additional push needed to make your goal a reality.
        When planning your resolution, consider small changes you would like to see happen in your life. This should be something you care about enough to put considerable and consistent effort into.
        Try creating a S.M.A.R.T. goal:
        Specific: Narrow down your goal to a single, clear and well-defined idea.
        Measurable: Find a way to track your progress. Document your progress every few weeks by taking photos, writing in a journal or using an app.
        Attainable: Make sure your goal is realistic for you to achieve within your means and schedule.
        Relevant: Choose a goal that is aligned with your current interests and abilities.
        Timely: Create a timeline for when you would like to complete your goal.
        While you may get off to a great start, you may feel unmotivated a few months later. Many people do not feel motivated to work toward a goal every day, and that is okay. To help stay motivated, hold yourself accountable. Tell a friend about your goal and ask him or her to check in with you to make sure you are staying on track or check in on each other’s goals.
        If you find you have fallen off track, it may be time to reevaluate your goal. Identify the areas of your goal that should be adjusted or create a new goal. Life rarely goes according to plan, so sometimes we need to create a new plan. New Year’s resolutions should be fulfilling, empowering and positive. Any small change is progress toward personal development and bettering yourself.
Rebecca Snyder, BS, Exercise Science  is a ACSM Certified Personal Trainer at ProMedica Forever Fit.
 
 

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