Happy 2020! Welcome to not only a new year, but a whole new decade. What better time to chase after those health and well being to-do lists than the first of the year. Whether it's getting in better shape, becoming more fiscally responsible, or maybe working your way up to that promotion, it feels good to want to better ourselves. It feels even better when we accomplish what we set out to do. Making resolutions for New Year's Day is a common practice for millions of people around the world, but do they really work? Is it better to say "at least I tried" than to never try at all? If you're a fan of the former logic, here are a few tips to make them work.
When we make resolutions we are essentially saying that we want to swap out one habit for another. Eating healthier means not eating as much junk food. Saying yes to more family time means saying no to other commitments. It all really comes down to science - training your brain to trade a bad habit for a good one. According to Psychology Today, there are three key steps to ensuring that you stick with a new habit.
1. Don't bite off more than you can chew (no pun intended). It's important to start SMALL. Baby steps are key when it comes to being able to maintain your drive and keep up with that willpower. Don't try to run a marathon overnight, set out for a half mile jog or even a fast paced walk to build momentum.
2. Attach a new habit to an old one. We sometimes don't realize how many trigger habits we take part in every day. When you get in your car you automatically put your key in the ignition or press a button for to start it. You don't even think about it because it's just second nature. So, if you are one to make a bee line for the coffee maker when you walk into the kitchen each morning and say you want to start taking your vitamins on a daily basis rather than intermittently, why not get in the habit of taking them while you're waiting for your coffee to brew. You already know you will do the first part, now you just have to train your brain to remember the second.
3. Make the new habit something easy to accomplish - at least to start. In order for our brains to become accustomed to new behaviors we need repetition. Scientists suggest tackling that new habit 3 - 7 times to see the best results. If it's a once a day habit that you're trying to work it, that means you have to make sure it is something you can handle at least 3 - 7 days in a row for it to be able to stick. Writing notes, setting reminders or prepping food or workout clothes so they are easy to grab are all ways that should make it a little easier for you to follow through.
Just remember that Rome wasn't built in a day. You have a whole new decade to embark on, but if you follow these tips, hopefully you'll be making strides with those new habits before we even catch sight of February.
Have a new resolution for 2020? We'd love to hear about it. Feel free to share in the comments below and offer any tips you may have to help someone who may be looking to swap in that new habit as well. Good luck and Happy New Year!
