7 Tips to Help You Keep Your Resolutions

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Lose weight. Eat healthier. Save more money or get out of debt. These are all popular New Year's resolutions that are often only kept for a short time, if at all.

About 40% of Americans make a New Year's resolution, most of which are abandoned by February, according to researchers at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

Follow these seven steps to achieve greater success keeping that resolution. If your resolution includes better finances, call our team at 866-SUNMARK. We have many free resources and tools to help get you (and keep you) on track!

 ​​​​​1. Be Realistic: The surest way to fall short of your goal is to make it unattainable. For instance, resolving to NEVER eat your favorite food again is setting you up to fail. Try avoiding it more often than you do now.

2. Outline Your Plan: Decide how you will deal with the temptation to skip that exercise class or have that piece of cake. This could include calling on a friend for help, practicing positive thinking, or reminding yourself how your “bad behavior” will affect your goal.

3. Make a “Pros” and “Cons” List: Seeing it on paper may help to keep your motivation strong. Develop it over time, and keep it handy.

4. Talk About it: Tell friends and family members who will be there to support you. Ideally, find a buddy who shares your New Year’s resolution and motivate each other.

5. Reward Yourself: Celebrate your success by treating yourself to something you enjoy that doesn’t contradict your resolution. If you have been sticking to your promise to eat better, reward yourself with new fitness clothing or by going to a movie with a friend. (But no extra butter on that popcorn!)

6. Track Your Progress: Keep track of each small success. Short-term goals are easier to keep, and each small accomplishment can keep you motivated. Instead of focusing on losing 30 pounds, focus on losing the first five.

7. Stick to It: It takes about 21 days for a new activity to become a habit and six months for it to become part of your personality. Be persistent and patient. Keep Trying: If you blow it, start over again! Recommit yourself for 24 hours.