5 Ways To Know You’ll Stick to Your New Year’s Resolution

You have a decision to make: should you embark on a New Year’s resolution this year or sit this one out?

That all depends on you. Are you really ready to stick to your New Year’s resolution, or are you announcing a quest just to impress your inner circle or your social media following?

The truth is that if you’re ready to stick to your New Year’s resolution for the next twelve months—or however long it will take to reach your goal—you already know the answer. And you probably won’t spend much time on this blog post because you’re too eager to get going on your goal.

If you are genuinely unsure if tackling a New Year’s resolution is right for you, or just need a push in the right direction, here are five ways to know that you’ll stick to your New Year’s resolution in the upcoming year.

You Don’t Feel Sorry For Yourself

If you pity yourself, you won’t change simply because you won’t be motivated to change. Don’t create a New Year’s resolution when your judgement is clouded by your feelings of self-loathing, resentment and shame.

Confidence is key. If you are motivated to change because you love yourself and want the best for yourself, then you’ll always have the motivation you need to reach your goal.

You’re Not Making a Wish

New Year’s Eve isn’t a magical time when all hopes and dreams come true. There are no genie lamps or wishing wells. Saying your New Year’s resolution isn’t enough for it to manifest into your life.

Have an end goal in mind and be ready to work for it. Know that your commitment to taking actions towards your goal is what separates successful achievers from starry-eyed dreamers.

You Know It Will Take Time

The best things come to those who wait is how the saying goes. So if your impatience keeps you from maintaining the effort it takes to reach your goal, then you are not ready to stick to your New Year’s resolution.

Be ready for obstacles and setbacks. It’s never planned but bound to happen, so be realistic with yourself now. Create a list of anything that could get in the way of your success and devise how to overcome these hurtles. You can’t predict every obstacle, but by practicing how to strategize now will make it easier to find a solution instead of letting an excuse become an excuse.

Once you refuse to let these challenges hold you back, then you are ready to achieve your New Year’s resolution.

You Have a Plan

If you don’t have a plan, then your New Year’s resolution is just a wish. It doesn’t matter how many people you tell it to or how often you think about it. Actions are required to make your goal come into fruition.

Know the steps you need to take towards your goal and create smaller targets along the way to maintain your motivation. Be open for flexibility in your plan because circumstances are bound to change. What matters is that you’re doing more than just thinking about it—you’re doing something about it.

You’re Not Waiting After January 1 to Start

Don’t be Scarlett O’Hara. Perpetually pushing your New Year’s resolution to tomorrow is a good way for it to never happen in your present or your future.

If you really want your goal, then you start today. You don’t need a holiday to be your starting line. Beginning the journey now only means that you’re closer to achieving your New Year’s resolution.

And that’s the right way to start the new year.

I’d love to hear from you! How do you know that you’ll stick to your New Year’s resolution? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.