It’s that time of year again when everyone is making resolutions for the new year. You might be one of those people who has already come up with a list of resolutions, or you might still be trying to figure out what you want to change about yourself. If you’re like most people, you will probably find it hard to stick to your resolutions. In this blog post, Peak Brain Centers discusses why new year’s resolutions are so hard to keep and some tips for how to make them more successful.
Why New Year’s Resolutions are so Hard to Keep
There are a few reasons why New Year’s resolutions are so hard to keep. For one, we often try to make too many changes at once, which can be overwhelming. Additionally, we may not have a clear plan or specific enough goals, which makes it difficult to stay on track. And finally, we may simply not be motivated enough to stick to our resolutions.
One way to increase the chances of success is to focus on just one or two resolutions. This way, you can give each one the attention it deserves and increase your chances of seeing results. Additionally, make sure your goals are specific and achievable and that you have a clear plan for how you’re going to reach them. Finally, try to find ways to increase your motivation levels, whether it’s by setting up a reward system for yourself or enlisting the help of a friend or family member.
The Psychology Behind New Year’s Resolutions
When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, it’s important to understand the psychology behind why we make them in the first place. For most of us, the start of a new year is a time to reflect on the past year and set goals for the future. We may resolve to lose weight, find a solution for our mental health, save money, or quit smoking. But why do we so often fail to stick to our resolutions?
One reason is that our brains are hardwired to seek pleasure and avoid pain. So when we make a resolution to do something that requires effort or self-discipline, our brain instinctively tries to talk us out of it. This is why it’s so important to have a clear and specific goal in mind when making a resolution. The more specific and realistic the goal, the more likely we are to achieve it.
Another reason why resolutions often fail is because we tend to underestimate the role of willpower in achieving our goals. Willpower is like a muscle that gets tired with use. So the more we resist temptation, the harder it becomes to stick to our resolutions. This is why it’s important to build up our willpower gradually by starting with small goals that we’re confident we can achieve.
Tips for Making Your New Year’s Resolutions More Successful
If you’re looking to make your New Year’s resolutions more successful this year, here are a few tips to help you out:
1. Make a plan of action.
Don’t just resolve to make a change; figure out how you’re actually going to do it. Whether it’s quitting smoking, losing weight, or getting out of debt, you need to have a plan in place that will help you achieve your goal. Without a plan, it’s all too easy to just give up when things get tough.
2. Set realistic goals.
If your goal is something like “lose 100 pounds in a month,” it’s probably not going to happen. Not only is it an unrealistic goal, but it’s also one that’s nearly impossible to stick to. When setting your goals, make sure they’re achievable and realistic; otherwise, you’re just setting yourself up for disappointment.
3. Take baby steps.
Making too many changes at once is usually a recipe for disaster. Rather than trying to overhaul your entire life overnight, focus on making small changes that you can realistically stick to. For example, if your goal is to eat healthier, start by cutting out processed foods or adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet rather than completely eliminating all of the unhealthy foods you love. Baby steps will help you stay on track and eventually reach your ultimate goal.
4. Be specific.
Vague goals are harder to achieve than specific ones because it’s difficult to know when you’ve actually accomplished them. If your resolution is to “eat better,” what does that mean? Does it mean eating more fruits and vegetables? Cutting out junk food? Eating smaller portions? Be as specific as possible with your goals so that you’ll know exactly when you’ve achieved them.
5. Keep track of your progress.
The best way to log your progress is to keep a journal. So, if you want to increase your chances of success with this year’s resolutions, write them down. Then check in with yourself daily or weekly to gauge your progress. You’ll also need a little grace with yourself because setbacks do happen. But by journaling your experience, you can pick up right where you left off.
Why Most People Fail at Their New Year’s Resolutions
Most people fail at their New Year’s resolutions because they set their goals too high, they don’t have a plan to reach their goals, or they don’t make a commitment to stick to their resolutions. Setting unrealistic goals is one of the main reasons why people fail at their New Year’s resolutions. If you set a goal that is impossible to achieve, you are setting yourself up for disappointment. It is important to set achievable goals that you can realistically accomplish.
Having a plan to reach your goals is another important factor in whether or not you will be successful in achieving your New Year’s resolutions. You need to have a step-by-step plan that you can follow in order to reach your goal. Finally, making a commitment to stick to your resolution is essential. If you are not committed to seeing your resolution through, you are much more likely to give up and fail. Making a New Year’s resolution is a great way to start the year off on the right foot, but it is important to remember that setting realistic goals, having a plan, and making a commitment are key to success.
Put Your Mental Health First
If your mental health is at the top of your resolution list, then Peak Brain Centers is here for you! We help people throughout the entire year accomplish their mental health goals by mitigating their symptoms of anxiety, depression, and addiction. There is a better you just right around the corner, and we can help. So, schedule your free consultation with us today by calling (765) 667-9720.
Photo by Estée Janssens on Unsplash
Photo by Estée Janssens on Unsplash
