It is estimated that 40 percent of adults will make a New Year Resolution, but that 75% of these will be abandoned before the end of January (statistics Seattle Times) Many of us will be setting a New Year Resolution to lose weight or get fit, it is well researched and recognised that there are simple techniques that make it more likely that your New Year resolution will be in the 25% that succeed:
Set a SMART Goal
Your New Years Resolution is more likely to be successful if it is a SMART New Year's Resolution, looking at our two common New Year Resolution examples of getting fit or losing weight here's how to turn them into a SMART goal and maximise chances of success:
Specific, a New Years resolution to say lose a stone by Easter or to compete in the "Race for Life" is much more likely to succeed than a vague "I'm going to get fit this year."
Measurable, Make sure there is a target to aim for so as above it is much better to say "I am going to lose a stone" than "I'm going to lose some weight."
Achievable, be realistic - most of us have the ability to get around the one mile Race for Life, but there are very few of us who will be selected for London 2012. Setting a goal that is not within reach is demoralising and doomed to failure.
Realistic, as for achievable set a goal which of course can require effort and dedication, but if it is not a realistic goal it won't be achievable.
Timely, a deadline in which to achieve the goal focus's the mind, so for instance entering a race or event to aim for will encourage perseverance when enthusiasm wains.
We can see therefore how the initial setting of the goal of New Year's resolution is critical to its achievement.
Compare the following:
"I want to complete the race for life this year in memory of my mum" v "I'm going to get fit"
"I am going to lose a stone so I can fit in a size 14 for cousin Jenny's wedding in June" v "I'm going to lose some weight"
and you can see how setting New Year Resolution which is SMART will increase your chances of success.
There are other well recognised tips to succeeding in reaching your goals:
Use Peer Support:
Joining a group relevant to your goal for instance weight watchers or a sports club will give the motivation to carry on when enthusiasm is no longer fresh.
Think About the Timing:
For obvious reasons New Years Resolutions are set at the start of the New Year, but this may not be the best time to try to initiate a life change. Thinking about the two examples above losing weight or getting fit both may be easier to initiate in the summer months with lighter nights, less comfort food and pleasanter opportunities to get outside. There is nothing wrong with starting a New Year's Resolution in April!
