6 Tips to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

Reading time: 2 minutes

According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology from researchers at the University of Scranton, just 8% of people are successful in achieving their New Year’s resolutions. Here’s how you can be part of the 8%.

1. Keep it simple. Avoid complication. Set small, attainable goals.
2. Be specific. Vague resolutions are difficult to measure. Your goals must be measured by something; this increases the likelihood of achieving them.
3. Go public. Write down your goals and share them with your friends and family. This will make you more accountable.
4. Schedule it. Make your resolution part of your daily or weekly routine. The more you do this, the easier it will be to achieve your goal.
5. Focus on the process, not the goal. Reduce your stress by committing to a process and sticking to your schedule, rather than worrying about the goal.
6. Keep the faith. Keep believing you can do it; you have as much willpower as you think you have. Surround yourself with people who will help you achieve your goals.

For some examples, Lifehacker recently outlined the most common failed resolutions and how to approach them more effectively.