How To Make New Year's Resolutions You Can Actually Keep
Jan 1, 2024
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In this engaging discussion, Mariel Segarra, host of NPR's Life Kit, shares her insights on making New Year's resolutions stick. She emphasizes the allure of resolutions and the common pitfalls that lead to failure, like unrealistic expectations. Segarra advocates for smaller, more meaningful goals that align with personal values. The conversation also touches on the psychological aspects of setting resolutions and practical strategies for managing financial challenges like debt, urging listeners to redefine success in their personal growth journey.
Focusing on smaller goals and intentions can help you succeed with your New Year's resolutions.
Breaking down big goals into smaller, actionable steps increases the chances of sticking to resolutions and achieving personal growth.
Deep dives
Common New Year's Resolutions
Common New Year's resolutions include improving fitness, finances, mental health, losing weight, and improving diet. According to a Forbes Health One Poll survey, almost half of the respondents said they were making resolutions focused on improving fitness. Experts suggest focusing on movement rather than exercise and aiming for about 150 minutes of moderately intense activity each week. They also emphasize the importance of healthy behaviors rather than strict diets for weight loss goals. To improve mental health, try incorporating play, connecting with friends, spending time in nature, and practicing mindfulness. As for financial health, prioritize paying off debt with the highest interest rate first and explore negotiation options for medical debts.
Reasons behind New Year's Resolutions
The start of a new year is often seen as a fresh start and an opportunity to make positive changes. It provides a cultural marker of time that signals a chance for a new beginning. Advertisers also contribute to the pressure by promoting products and services that align with resolutions. However, it is important to choose goals and resolutions that are personally meaningful and avoid feeling compelled to spend excessive amounts of money to better one's life. The significance of resolutions lies in setting goals that are right for the individual rather than succumbing to external pressures.
Tips for Achieving Resolutions
To improve the chances of sticking to resolutions, experts suggest breaking down big goals into smaller, actionable steps. It's recommended to focus on specific areas such as incorporating movement, taking care of mental health, and managing finances. Key strategies include practicing moderation and mindful eating for dietary goals, engaging in activities that promote mental well-being like play and being in nature, and adopting smart approaches to managing debt. It's also important to consider values and personal motivations behind each goal to increase commitment. Lastly, setting intentions rather than strict resolutions allows for flexibility and a more nurturing approach to personal growth.
The tradition of the New Year's resolution can be alluring. What better moment in time to resolve to accomplish important goals ? New year, new you, right?
But research and polling show that a lot of people who set out make resolutions give up on them. If the temptation of an extra hour of sleep is likely to crush your dream to attend that 6am spin class, maybe you need to rethink your resolution.
Host Juana Summers talks with Marielle Segarra, host of NPR's Life Kit, about why focusing more on smaller goals and intentions can help you succeed
