Keen to know how to keep New Year’s resolutions beyond January? You’re certainly not the only one – it’s taken me YEARS of practice! In this article, I share my top tips and tricks.
As we waved goodbye to 2023 and get fully into the swing of 2024, many of us are still considering our habits and revisiting our New Year’s resolutions. The beginning of a new year often brings a surge of motivation and the desire for positive change, and it’s important to keep this in mind as we get into February. New Year’s resolutions are a tradition for many, but as January comes to a close, the initial enthusiasm can dwindle, and resolutions may start to fade away.
While these goals help to provide us with a purpose for the new year, it can feel overwhelmingly difficult to follow through with every task you’ve set. If you’re determined to make 2024 a year of lasting change, it’s time to crack the code on how to keep your New Year’s resolutions beyond January. Whether you’ve set yourself big goals to save money in 2024 amid a cost of living crisis, or you want to get fit or reduce your consumption, I’ve set out some ways you can stay on track. In this article, I’ll explore practical tips and strategies to help you stay committed and achieve your goals throughout the entire year.
Set realistic and achievable goals
Half the battle is making your goals achievable in the first place. One of the most common pitfalls when it comes to New Year’s resolutions is setting unrealistic or overly ambitious goals. Instead of aiming for a complete overhaul, break down your goals into smaller, achievable steps – ideally with timeframes. This not only makes the journey more manageable, but also increases your likelihood of success. Rather than setting yourself up to fail by saying you’ll go for a 5km run every morning before breakfast (year, right!), take a moment to reflect. Be reasonable, but specific. Instead of saying you want to ‘run more’, set a concrete goal – for instance, going for a 30 minute run three times a week.
This way, you can accurately measure your success and stay accountable. It’s also important to set a pace and be realistic. It’s fine if you’d rather slowly amp up your resolutions. I’ve done just this with using my Peloton – sometimes the pressure of having to be super strict from 1 January can be a bit much. After all, starting small and building up at a steady pace is much better than going all in and giving up in a few weeks.
Create a clear action plan
When it comes to how to keep New Year’s resolutions beyond January, having a well-defined action plan is crucial for turning resolutions into tangible achievements. I really recommend outlining specific steps you need to take to reach your goals, and set deadlines to keep yourself accountable. Whether it’s a weekly workout schedule, a meal prep routine, or a daily writing habit, a clear plan will guide you towards success. I usually mark out in my diary key milestones which I can then review on a monthly basis to make sure I’m keeping on track, or to see if I need to modify my goals in any way.
Learn from the past
Although it can be hard to learn from your mistakes, it’s important to think about where your previous resolutions have failed so you can try to remedy them. A prime example that I’ve faced is with fashion. While lots of people will try to buy less clothes in an attempt to be more sustainable, according to statistics by fitted furniture experts, Hammonds, around 19% of Brits still have a clear-out once per month, and hold onto around £173.42 of unworn clothes. That’s why this year, I’ve vowed to actually clear out any unwanted clothes and to stick to buy less, more sustainable pieces for my wardrobe.
Manage your mindset
I think the ultimate key to keeping your New Year’s resolutions is based on your mindset. To stick to your
goals, it’s important to remember why you’re doing them. For example, if you’re trying to save the
planet by not buying so many clothes, think of this each time you’re browsing the stores looking for
a bargain. If you’re still struggling with overconsumption, Certified KonMari Consultant and Professional
Organiser, Mimi Bogelund, from The Organised Home & Life has another reason for sticking to your
no-buy resolution:
‘Having a good clear out is well known to have huge positive effects on your mental and physical
health. Knowing where to find things avoids frustration and helps time management, as well as cuts
visual noise from clutter and makes cleaning so much faster and easier‘.
Track Your Progress
Regularly monitoring your progress is a powerful motivator. I feel like I need to do a lot of this in order to stay on track and to measure my success to date. I recommend keeping a journal or using apps to track your achievements, setbacks, and any adjustments to your plan. Also, remember to celebrate small victories along the way as they contribute to the overall success of your resolution.
Share Your Goals
There’s nothing like a bit of accountability! Accountability plays a really important role in goal achievement. Share your New Year’s resolutions with friends, family, or an online community so that others know what you’re trying to do. The support and encouragement you receive can keep you motivated, and the sense of responsibility to others can prevent you from veering off course. I find this super helpful, and my family will often ask how I’m getting on to reminder me of my path.
Embrace Flexibility
Life is unpredictable, and setbacks are inevitable. Rather than viewing obstacles as failures, see them as opportunities to learn and adjust your approach. Be flexible with your goals and adapt them to suit your evolving circumstances. This resilience will help you navigate challenges and stay on track.
Establish Healthy Habits
Incorporate your resolutions into your daily routine to transform them into lasting habits. Consistency is key, so find ways to make your new habits enjoyable. Whether it’s finding a workout you love, experimenting with new recipes, or discovering a passion for a hobby, incorporating joy into your routine will make it easier to stick with your resolutions. I often find that although it can take a little while to make an action a habit, before long you’ll find they just form part of your regular routine.
Schedule Regular Check-Ins
Set aside time each month to reflect on your progress, reassess your goals, and make any necessary adjustments to your plan. Use these check-ins as an opportunity to celebrate achievements and identify areas for improvement. Regular reflection ensures that your resolutions remain relevant and achievable throughout the year.
Keeping New Year’s resolutions beyond January requires a combination of realistic goal-setting, strategic planning, accountability, flexibility, and a commitment to building lasting habits. By incorporating these tips into your resolution journey, you can defy the odds and make 2024 a year of positive and enduring change. Remember, the key is not perfection but progress, and every step forward is a step toward a more fulfilling and accomplished you. Cheers to a year of growth, resilience, and success!
I hope you found my guide on how to keep New Year’s resolutions beyond January helpful! Do you have any other tips or tricks? Let me know in the comments below.
If you enjoyed this article, you might also like:
- The Best Places to Celebrate New Year’s Eve
- New Year’s Day at Cheltenham Races
- New Year’s Eve in Cheltenham: a guide
