2020. A new year. A new decade. Are your New Year’s resolutions still going strong? Eighty percent of people who make New Year’s resolutions quit after six weeks, according to U.S. News. It’s not too late.
According to a University of Scranton study, only 19% achieved their goal for two years, and successful or not, both groups slipped in January. But the successful ones didn’t quit! According to John Norcross, professor of psychology at The University of Scranton, “Early slips do not predict failure. In fact, many ultimately successful resolvers report — even as they experience them — that the early slips strengthen their resolutions.” It’s not too late.
10 tips to strengthen your resolve
- Identify your why. Why is it important to you? (I can’t find what I want to wear, which often makes me late for work; I need to organize my messy closet to keep my job.)
- Resolutions tend to be general, more like desires. Instead, create SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound, with action steps. (SMART goal: Organize bedroom closet by the end of February. Action steps: schedule times in your calendar to carry out the work and gather needed supplies.)
- Maintain your focus (I need to be on time for work to keep my job).
- Be intentional—identify your purpose and actions to support it. (If your intention is to declutter your closet, skip trips to the mall.)
- Be consistent—if you get off track, take a breath, recommit and start again.
- Be realistic—a cluttered house can’t be organized in a day.
- Stay strong—create a mantra like, “I’ve got this.”
- Create a vision board with inspirational and aspirational images.
- Have an accountability partner who will keep you on track.
- Reward yourself with an ice cream sundae or other fun treat.
More tips and motivation for New Year’s resolutions
See my posts dated January 1, 2020, January 1, 2019, January 12, 2017 and January 23, 2013.
Set yourself up for success. If another time of year, like a birthday, is better for you to set goals, do it then. The date isn’t what’s important.
You can still have a successful, and organized, 2020!