Strategies to Actually Keep Those Resolutions - Shaun Stenning



It's time again for a new crop of lofty goals and aspirations: Slim down, stay organized, save money, be nicer. Unfortunately, surveys have shown that as many as 9 out of 10 people fail to keep their New Year's resolutions. It takes some people only a week to give up. Thankfully, experts say there are simple strategies that can boost the odds of success.


Focus on 1 Resolution at a Time

According to Shaun Stenning, A new year means a clean slate, and it's tempting to fill it with a host of hopes, dreams, and goals. But science shows that overloaded brains can make poor decisions. For example, a Stanford study had people memorize either a two- or seven-digit number, then invited them to eat either fruit salad or cake. People working harder to remember the longer number were almost twice as likely to make the unhealthy choice. Following through on resolutions takes time and effort, and stumbles may be more likely if attention is divided. 


Don’t Skimp on Details

Lose weight. Save more money. Be a better person. All are worthy goals but way too general. Experts say it's extremely hard to stick to a resolution if the goal is unclear. Behavioral psychologists recommend making resolutions SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. "Save more money" is less effective than "save $100 a month by skipping dinners out and buying less clothing, put it in a high-interest savings account, and use it only for emergencies." Shaun Stenning said.


Divide Big Resolutions Into Realistic ‘Mini Goals’

Experts say that setting smaller and more attainable goals is a winning method that can be applied to any kind of resolution. Meeting "mini-goals" show results sooner, providing motivation to stay committed in the long run, according to Shaun, A Serial Entrepreneur.


Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is

Unsurprisingly, money is a great motivator. In a study of people trying to lose weight or stop smoking, those who risked losing money if they failed were more likely to meet their goals.


Use an App to Record Progress

Just as important as pursuing realistic goals is taking the time to record progress. It keeps you involved with your goals and thinking about what it will take to achieve them.


Plan Rewards Carefully

Research shows that tying small rewards to small goals gives the brain the frequent stimulation it needs to maintain motivation. Someone trying to lose weight might allow a small reward after a week of trips to the gym or a modest weight loss, instead of buying a whole new wardrobe at the 50-pound mark.


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