{"id":4643,"date":"2023-01-02T09:00:32","date_gmt":"2023-01-02T09:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/crosscountiestraining.co.uk\/?p=4643"},"modified":"2023-01-03T08:24:14","modified_gmt":"2023-01-03T08:24:14","slug":"new-years-resolutions-and-how-to-achieve-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/creativeideasfactory.co.uk\/cross\/new-years-resolutions-and-how-to-achieve-them\/","title":{"rendered":"New Year\u2019s resolutions and how to achieve them"},"content":{"rendered":"

Do you struggle to make your New Year’s resolutions stick?<\/h3>\n

New Year is a great time to make a fresh start and to create new beginnings. Every year we make New Year\u2019s resolutions and before March rolls around many of us have broken them. \u00a0People who make resolutions are generally optimistic about the year ahead, so we wanted to share some tips on how to select resolutions and how to make them achievable.<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0 Choose concrete, achievable goals<\/h3>\n

It is important to choose goals that are achievable and not generic.\u00a0 Resolutions like \u201close weight\u201d tend to be too generic.\u00a0 Think of a goal like \u201close 1 kg per month until summer\u201d or \u201cdo the couch to 5km run in 3 months\u201d.\u00a0 Once you have had a small win and you can run 5km you can then extend this to 10km and then even a marathon.\u00a0 However, if you start with a marathon, you might not achieve the goal.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0 Think ahead<\/h3>\n

During the year start thinking of your goals, if you decide on your resolution on New Year\u2019s Day it might not be the goal for you.\u00a0 For a goal to be achievable it should be something that you have been thinking about for the year.\u00a0 For example, if you have been thinking about being more mindful then you can start doing research on joining yoga classes so that by the time January comes you are already enrolled.\u00a0 The yoga classes are a tangible goal, and by joining the class regularly you will achieve this resolution.<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0 Ask for help<\/h3>\n

It is worth thinking about what you will do if you succumb to temptation, and you break your diet or start smoking again.\u00a0 If you start to slip you should think about how you are going to get back on track, for example reminding yourself of your goals, doing an extra class or discussing with a friend.\u00a0 You need to resist the urge to give up if things start slipping and you need to motivate yourself to get back on track.<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0 Make a \u201cpros\u201d and \u201ccons\u201d list<\/h3>\n

If you put everything down on paper and you refer to it often it may help to motivate you and keep you on track.\u00a0 You can stick your list on your fridge where others can view it and this will also help you to talk about it and to get people to help you with your goals.\u00a0 For example, if your goal has been to have a \u201cdry January\u201d then your friends will know and not pressurise you to drink.<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0 It\u2019s better with friends<\/h3>\n

Your friends and family can help to motivate you and keep you on track.\u00a0 Even if you keep the circle small and just share your list with your best friend, they can maybe join you and doing it together will help.\u00a0 So, if your goal has been to grow yourself by studying or learning a new hobby, it might be more fun to do it with a friend and your chances of success are much better.<\/p>\n

6.\u00a0 Give yourself treats<\/h3>\n

Rewarding yourself for achieving goals is a good way to feel positive about your resolutions.\u00a0 Try and reward yourself with \u201ctreats\u201d that do not conflict with your resolution, for example, don\u2019t celebrate with a chocolate cake if your goal was to lose 1 kg per week.\u00a0 Rather look at rewards that complement your goal, like attending a healthy cooking class or getting some new leisure wear.<\/p>\n

7.\u00a0 Keep track of your wins<\/h3>\n

It is not easy to stick to your resolutions, so try and celebrate when you have successes.\u00a0 If you learn a new skill or graduate from a short course you have done, don\u2019t forget to phone a friend, go for lunch or meet for a coffee to celebrate your successes.\u00a0 Enjoy the feeling of ticking your resolutions off your list.<\/p>\n

8.\u00a0 Don\u2019t be too hard on yourself<\/h3>\n

There will be times when you slip, and you need to take a step back but try not to give up on your goals.\u00a0 Take each day as they come and if there is a slip and you have a piece of chocolate cake, don\u2019t obsess over it, just focus, and regroup.\u00a0 It might mean that the goal takes slightly longer, but it is better than quitting.<\/p>\n

9.\u00a0 Keep at it<\/h3>\n

There is a common misconception that it takes 21 days to break a habit.\u00a0 However, researchers from University College London examined the new habits of 96 people over the space of 12 weeks and found that the average time it takes for a new habit to stick is 66 days; additionally, individual times varied from 18 to a massive 254 days.The bottom line here is that if you want to change your behaviour it will take at least 2 months and you should not stress if after 21 days you have not formed new habits.\u00a0 Try and stick with it for longer and you will end up changing your habit.<\/p>\n

10. New Year resolution ideas<\/h3>\n

We thought we would give you some ideas of achievable new year\u2019s resolutions to kick you off:<\/p>\n