Setting realistic goals and resolutions will most likely help you to stick to it for longer periods of time, even as long as an entire year, a recent study finds.
It is suggested by the researchers that the only way for a person to stick to his or her resolutions is by making them as realistic and achievable as possible. Luis Manzo, executive director of student wellness and assessment at St. John's University in New York confirms that a lot of people try to do too much too fast and set unattainable goals which simply sets them up for failure.
"There is no sense in making a resolution to wake up every morning at five in the morning and run five miles if you know you are not a morning person and you have never run a mile in your life. Such a goal will just demoralize you when you are unable to stick to it. Rather, play to your strengths, select goals that you can do and that work for you. Maybe a more realistic goal is running after work for 20 minutes two days during the week and once on the weekend for 25 minutes. Start small and build your confidence and your motivation will rocket."
Manzo also suggested a number of ways on how to stick with to New Year's resolutions. He said that setting aside a time each day to work on your goals is necessary. He also suggests that all resolutions should be part of your normal routine and to write goals and resolutions down to make them public. This way, others may encourage you to accomplish them when you don't feel like you can do it yourself.
