With Christmas approaching fast, what better time to plan your New Year’s resolutions than now? New Year resolutions are goals that most people set themselves for the New Year.
A new year means a new you, right? It’s the perfect time to reflect on your past and look forward to the future. Did you know that only 31% of people stuck to their New Year resolution in 2023? (according to YouGov).
Throughout this blog, we will explore the top New Year resolutions and how you can make them stick. Read our article to find out more!
1- Exercise More
One of the most common New Year resolutions we often see is to exercise more. Think of the New Year as a new start, a chance to set yourself goals and stick to them. There are many benefits to exercising more, such as:
- It strengthens your bones and muscles
- It boosts your energy levels
- Improves skin health
- Improves your mood
- Improves stress and sleep
How to Stick to It:
Setting yourself the goal to exercise more is a great start to your New Year, but that’s not to say it will be easy. Many people set goals for themselves and give up after the first hurdle. However, this is how people fail.
Here are a few ways you can stick to your goal to increase your chances of success:
- Create a plan: Identify the steps you need to take to achieve your goal. Break it down into manageable milestones, and set a realistic timeline. For example, instead of saying, “I will exercise more,” decide how many days a week you’ll work out and what type of exercises you’ll do.
- Stay consistent: Although difficult, consistency is key. Even on days when motivation is low, try to stick to your plan. You can do this by rewarding yourself after you exercise to motivate yourself to go more.
- Track your progress: Keep a journal or use an app to record your workouts. Seeing your progress can boost your motivation and help you stay on track.
If you ever feel unmotivated, just remember the benefits of exercising more. You can do it!
2- Spend Less Time on Social Media
Did you know that the average teenager spends 8 hours and 39 minutes on social media media, according to Twicsy? Social media plays a huge role in many people’s lives. However, many of us are trying to spend less time on social media and more time in the real world.
How to Stick to It:
If you spend a lot of time on social media, then you may find it difficult to reduce your screen time. But… it’s doable! To reduce your screen time, try and find a hobby you enjoy. Most people spend hours on their phones for a number of reasons, such as:
- Boredom
- Habit
- To fill their day
A hobby is a great way to fill time in your day to avoid wasting hours scrolling through social media. Finding a hobby you enjoy, socialising or simply sitting with your family is a great way to get away from the screen.
To stick to your New Year resolution, try setting yourself limits on your apps to avoid spending too much time on your phone. To do this simply:
- Click Settings
- Scroll down to screen time
- Click ‘app limits’
- Turn ‘app limits’ on
- Add limits to all/ certain apps you want to limit your time on
3- Save Money
We are all guilty of spending too much money every now and then, I know I am! But there are ways that you can save money without breaking the bank.
How to Stick to It:
Set yourself a goal to save money in line with SMART. This way you can set yourself realistic, measurable goals.
Saving money can be hard, especially with Christmas and birthdays; however, there are many platforms and apps that allow you to put money away so you aren’t tempted to dip into your savings. Here are some apps you can use to store your money:
- Monzo
- Moneybox
- Revolut
These apps allow you to store your money away into ISAs, instant access, fixed terms or easy access accounts. Make sure that you don’t put too much money away in a month, this way you may struggle and feel disheartened if you have to take some money out of your savings account to help you through the month.
Instead, start by putting a small amount of money away each month. Doing this will allow you to understand how much money you save without breaking the bank.
4- Spend More Time With Family
Life can be busy, especially with work and Christmas approaching; however, it is important that you don’t neglect time with your family.
How to Stick to It:
If your New Year resolution is to spend more time with your family but you aren’t too sure how to make time, here is what you can do:
- Schedule family time
- Limit distractions (put your phone down, it’s family time!)
- Be present
Social connection is so important for our mental health and well-being, so make sure you make time for your family, even if it’s just to say hello!
5- Cut Down on Drinking
Cutting down on drinking can be very difficult, especially if you have been drinking for quite some time; however, it can be done.
There are many ways you can reduce your alcohol intake, whether it be seeking advice and support, reducing the amount you drink bit by bit or taking up hobbies to take your mind off the drink.
How to Stick to It:
Reducing your alcohol intake can be a challenge, but sticking to it can be an even bigger one. However, don’t worry because you can do anything you put your mind to! Here are some ways you can stick to this resolution:
- Avoid triggers
- Track your consumption
- Find alternatives
- Be kind and patient with yourself
6- Quit Smoking
Quitting smoking can be very difficult, especially if it’s been a long-term habit, but it is one of the most beneficial changes you can make for your health.
With determination, support, and the right strategies, you can successfully quit smoking and start the new year on a healthier note.
How to Stick to It:
- Set a Quit Date: Choose a specific date to stop smoking and mark it on your calendar. Having a clear date can help you mentally prepare.
- Understand Your Triggers: Identify situations, emotions, or habits that make you reach for a cigarette. Once you know your triggers, develop strategies to avoid or cope with them.
- Find Support: Let your friends and family know about your goal so they can encourage and support you. Joining a support group or online community can also connect you with others who understand the challenges you face.
- Replace the Habit: Keep yourself busy by chewing gum, sipping water, or using a stress ball. Find healthier ways to cope with stress, like exercising or cooking.
- Stay Positive and Persistent: Quitting smoking is a process, and setbacks can happen. If you fall back, don’t be discouraged. Reflect on what led to the relapse and use it as an opportunity to strengthen yourself and go again.
7- Take Up a New Hobby
The New Year is a great time to take up a new hobby to help you discover hidden talents, reduce stress and meet new people.
How to Stick to It:
Choose a hobby that interests you, whether it be cooking, dancing, painting or singing. Consider setting days for your hobby so that you can fit it into your schedule. This way you can do what you enjoy without worrying about work or tasks you need to finish.
Remember that you are new to the hobby so don’t be disheartened if you aren’t amazing straight away. Progress takes time.
8- Eat Healthier
We are all guilty of eating sweets more often than we should, which is why eating healthier is a popular New Year resolution.
How to Stick to It:
Eating healthier meals and reaching for fruit and vegetables rather than sweet treats can be a challenge; however, by following the right strategies and sticking to your resolution, you can do it! Here are some ways you can stick to eating healthier:
- Plan your meals
- Set realistic goals
- Keep a food journal
- Track your progress
- Limit the amount of junk food you have at home
9- Read More Books
Reading more books is a great way to expand your vocabulary and knowledge as well as reduce stress and escape the real world. Reading has many benefits, such as improving your mental health, boosting cognitive function and improving your focus.
How to Stick to It:
To stick to this New Year resolution, find a book that interests you and create a reading schedule. This way you will be able to set time to relax, unwind and read.
Try to choose a book over your phone; this way you will be able to reduce screen time and read more.
10- Pursue a Career Ambition
The New Year is a great time to take control of your career and pursue your professional ambitions. Whether you’re aiming for a promotion, switching jobs, or learning a new skill, setting career resolutions can help you grow and achieve your long-term goals.
How to Stick to it?
Pursuing a career can be difficult and can come with its ups and downs, but with the right support, anything is possible. If you are looking to open your own business but don’t know where to start, we at MOVE can help. We offer a range of services for businesses, such as business coaching and online meetings from the comfort of your own home.
Here at MOVE, our business coaching sessions can help hold you accountable when it comes to creating and sticking to goals. We can help you and your business thrive! For more information, don’t hesitate to contact us at 07852 970 718.
Ready to Make Your Resolutions Stick?
The New Year is a new start. It’s a time to leave the past behind and focus on new beginnings. So there you have it, our top 10 New Year’s resolutions for you to try.
Although sticking to your New Year’s resolutions can be challenging, having the right mindset and strategies will allow you to turn your goals into lasting habits.
Remember, the key to success is consistency, patience, and a willingness to adapt along the way. Progress doesn’t happen overnight—small, steady steps are what lead to long-term success!
Mark is a multi-award winner in business networking and relationship building. He is passionate about coaching and mentoring business owners and professionals through 1-1 & group coaching, team performance workshops and group mastermind sessions.