Written by Kristen Beckman

The new year is here, and with the hopeful fresh start that the new year brings comes the inevitable list of New Year’s Resolutions. Millions of people will pledge to make 2022 the year that they get healthier, save more money, expand their business or spend more time with family among a host of other common resolutions.

But most of those resolutions will go unrealized and uncompleted, research has shown over the years. One often-cited statistic claims that 80 percent of New Year’s Resolutions are abandoned by February, and Strava, a social network for athletes, has actually identified the second Friday of January as “Quitter’s Day” based on research that shows most people give up on their New Year’s resolutions by mid-January.

That doesn’t mean resolutions aren’t important or useful; it just means success may depend on re-framing a resolution as a long-term goal that will take self-discipline, perseverance, and an understanding that the process that will include many small victories as well as defeats. Experts offer several ideas that might help you make 2022 the year that you make your resolutions stick.

1. Dream big but act small. According to Harvard Medical School, audacious dreams and goals are inspiring, but achieving those goals requires a more focused approach. Breaking goals into small, achievable steps can help build motivation and confidence and keep you on track to achieving your goals.
2. Be realistic and set yourself up for success. Inc. notes that motivation is easy early on in the process, but it will naturally wane after a week or two. Accepting this reality at the outset can help you set yourself up for success by making the good habits you are trying to achieve more convenient and the bad habits harder to fall into. Think ahead to inevitable obstacles that could derail you and have ideas in mind about how you can navigate through those obstacles without completely abandoning your goals.
3. Understand the reasons behind your resolutions. Making a resolution just to make a resolution is a sure path to failure. Think about what is important to you and build resolutions around that. Pursuing a resolution is most likely to be successful if you believe in it deeply.
4. Don’t let perfection be the enemy of good enough. Perfection is unattainable, according to the American Psychological Association. You can achieve meaningful change and progress toward your goals without being perfect. Focusing on being able to overcome inevitable mistakes and missteps and continue on your journey builds perseverance that is key to success.
5. Reward yourself. Making changes in life is hard work. Keep track of your successes and reward yourself for your achievements.

What are your resolutions for 2022? Visit WWLF on LinkedIN and let us know!