10 Ways to Make Your New Year’s Resolution Last

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There’s something special about a new year that makes you want to live a better life. Many of us resolve to save money, lose weight, be more organized, get out of debt, find love, and more.

According to research from the University of Scranton and the Journal of Clinical Psychology, 45 percent of Americans make a New Year’s resolution, but only 46 percent of those resolutions last past six months.

Luckily, there are some simple strategies to make your resolutions stick. Check out these tips from Money Talks News founder Stacy Johnson, then read on for more.

Below, you’ll find 10 ways to turn a resolution into a part of your daily life:

1. Plan early

Write your resolution down and map out a detailed plan to get there. Ask yourself what steps you’ll take and consider your timeline. For example, if you want to save $1,000 this year, write a plan to save $20 a week and outline which expenses you’ll cut – whether it’s morning lattes, Thursday happy hours, or your shoe obsession.

2. Be realistic

You’re not going to drop 50 pounds in a month, but you could lose 5. Small, achievable goals are better then grandiose goals that are unattainable.

3. Think positively

Have confidence in yourself and think positively. Keep a record where you document your progress, and don’t be afraid to reward yourself for every small success. Celebrating your progress could motivate you to keep going.

4. Limit the number of resolutions

Too many goals at once is going to diffuse your focus. Start with just one, and see it through.

5. Forgive setbacks

You’re going to have a few bumps in the road, but don’t get bogged down. Falling off the wagon isn’t an excuse to stop trying entirely. Don’t be afraid to start again, as many times as you may need to accomplish your goal.

6. Make your goal public

Sharing your goal with even one person brings it out of your head and into the world. So declare your resolution at your next book club meeting, post it as a status update on Facebook, or simply share it with a friend. Having your goal public helps keep you accountable.

7. Enlist a buddy

Team up with a friend, family member, co-worker, or fellow “resolver” to stay on track. Talking with people who are also working on a goal, even if it’s not the same, will help you feel connected and motivated.

8. Embrace novelty

Consider your resolution an opportunity to try something different – whether it be eating more fresh fruits and veggies instead of cookies and cake, or making coffee at home instead of buying a latte every day. Look at your resolution as a way to break free from your old routine, and you’ll be more likely to get excited about it, rather than consider it a task.

9. Substitute behaviors to help alter habits

You can’t expect change if you don’t make any. So if you smoke every time you take a break at work, find someone to take a walk with instead. Changing your pattern of behavior will help your brain reprogram.

10. Take things a month at a time

Change happens over a period of repeated behavior. Hang in there for the first month and let the change set into your lifestyle. It will get easier to keep going.

Even if you don’t reach your ultimate goal this year, keep working at it so every day you get closer to the finish line.

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