People who actually stick to their New Year’s resolutions often display these 7 behaviors

There’s a world of difference between simply setting New Year’s resolutions and actually sticking to them.

This distinction boils down to action. Making a resolution is easy, but following through, that’s where the challenge lies, and it often requires a unique set of behaviors.

Those who nail their resolutions year after year have a few tricks up their sleeves. They exhibit distinct habits that separate them from the crowd.

Let’s take a look at the 7 behaviors commonly seen in those resolution-achievers, so we can learn a thing or two from them.

After all, who doesn’t want to be on the winning side of their New Year’s promises?

1) They set SMART goals

Consistently, those who achieve their New Year’s resolutions tend to set SMART goals.

SMART is an acronym standing for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. It’s a goal-setting principle used by successful people in various fields.

When it comes to resolutions, people often make the mistake of setting vague or unrealistic goals. ‘Lose weight’ or ‘be more successful’ are examples of such undefined resolutions.

However, individuals who stick to their resolutions usually give them more thought. They set specific targets like ‘Lose 10 pounds by March’ or ‘Increase sales by 20% in Q1’.

This approach not only provides clarity but also offers a benchmark for measuring progress. And let’s be honest, nothing feels as good as knowing you’re on track.

Remember, a clear vision leads to clear results. So, make your resolution SMART if you want to join the club of resolution-achievers.

2) They habitually review their progress

I’ve noticed that those who stick to their New Year’s resolutions have something in common – they regularly review their progress.

Speaking from personal experience, this is a behavior I’ve found to be incredibly beneficial. A few years ago, my New Year’s resolution was to read at least one book every month.

But as January slipped into February and then March, I found myself falling behind.

That’s when I decided to start keeping track of my progress. I began making a note of each book I read, along with the date I finished it.

Every time I completed a book, I’d cross it off my list and feel a sense of accomplishment.

Tracking my progress made me more aware of my pace and helped me take corrective action when needed. It turned what seemed like an overwhelming task into a manageable one.

So from my own experience, I can vouch for the fact that regular reviews can significantly increase the chances of sticking to your New Year’s resolutions.

3) They embrace setbacks

Here’s something intriguing: people who stick to their New Year’s resolutions tend to view setbacks not as failures but as opportunities to learn and adjust their strategy.

A study from the University of Scranton found that only 19% of individuals are able to stick to their New Year’s resolutions over a two-year period.

Among those who were successful, many reported experiencing setbacks along their journey.

Rather than letting these obstacles deter them, they used them as stepping stones to reassess their approach and make necessary adjustments.

This resilience and adaptability are key traits that set these resolution-achievers apart.

Next time you face a setback, remember, it’s not a roadblock but a detour guiding you towards a better route.

4) They make their resolutions known

One behavior I’ve observed in people who stick to their New Year’s resolutions is that they are not shy about sharing their goals.

They make their resolutions known to friends, family, or even on social media.

Making a public commitment adds a layer of accountability. It also opens up opportunities for support and encouragement from others, which can be a major motivator in keeping the resolution.

If you know that others are watching your journey and cheering you on, you’re more likely to push through the tough times and stay committed.

Don’t keep your resolutions a secret. Share them with your circle and leverage the power of community to help you stay on track.

5) They maintain a positive attitude

One thing that has struck me about those who stick to their New Year’s resolutions is their positive attitude, even in the face of adversity.

I’ve had years when my resolutions felt like uphill battles.

I remember one year when my resolution was to improve my fitness level. A couple of months in, I sustained an injury that put me out of action for weeks.

It was easy to feel discouraged and give up, but I chose to stay positive.

Instead of seeing it as a setback, I viewed it as a chance to explore other aspects of wellness. I started focusing on my diet and mental health during my recovery period.

This shift in mindset made all the difference. By the end of the year, I was back on track and felt healthier than ever before.

Maintaining a positive outlook can help you navigate through challenges and keep you committed to your resolution.

6) They break their goals into smaller tasks

Another common behavior among those who stick to their New Year’s resolutions is the strategy of breaking down their goals into smaller, manageable tasks.

Let’s say the resolution is to write a book by the end of the year. That’s a massive undertaking! But breaking it down into smaller tasks, like writing a chapter a month, suddenly makes it seem doable.

By focusing on these smaller tasks, the larger goal doesn’t seem as daunting. Plus, each task completed brings a sense of achievement and progress, which can be incredibly motivating.

So, if your resolution feels overwhelming, try breaking it down. You’ll be surprised at how much easier it becomes to stick to it.

7) They are fundamentally committed

At the heart of it all, people who stick to their New Year’s resolutions are deeply committed. It’s more than just a passing thought or a wish. It’s a serious promise they’ve made to themselves.

This commitment fuels their resilience, their consistency, and their willingness to adapt and overcome challenges. It’s the driving force that keeps them going when things get tough.

Without this fundamental commitment, no amount of strategy or tactics will make a difference.

Final reflection: It’s all about self-discipline

The essence of sticking to New Year’s resolutions often boils down to one key attribute: self-discipline.

For those who consistently achieve their New Year’s resolutions, self-discipline might play a pivotal role.

It could potentially be the driving force that propels them to set clear goals, review progress, bounce back from setbacks, share their journey, stay positive, break down tasks, and most importantly, stay committed.

Whether it’s running a marathon, mastering a new skill, or adopting a healthier lifestyle, at the heart of every achieved resolution lies the power of self-discipline.

Remember this as you set your next New Year’s resolution. Because ultimately, your willpower could be the magic ingredient that transforms your resolution from a wishful thought into a reality.