It's estimated that 40-50 percent of all Americans make New Year's resolutions every year. So, why do so many of us have difficulty keeping them? It could be because most of the popular resolutions, like losing weight, quitting smoking, or drinking less mean having to deprive ourselves of things that bring us pleasure in life.
Never fear! We have 3 simple tips to help ensure New Year's resolution success:
1. Make it fun! – Resolutions that focus on enjoying things in your life that you love are much more likely to be successful. If you want to lower your cholesterol, resolve to fill your diet with more foods that are known to lower bad cholesterol (like plant sterols, soy, nuts etc.)
2. Set small goals – Set small goals to help you work toward your larger objective, rather than approaching the whole thing all at once. For example, if you are trying to lose 20 pounds, break up the weight into 3-5 pound goals every month or two. This is also a more healthy way to lose weight and increases your chances for keeping it off!
3. Reward yourself – Every time you hit one of these small benchmarks, celebrate by giving yourself something you truly enjoy. Maybe it's a new pair of workout shoes, an accessory for your phone, or a fun kitchen gadget. Whatever it is, rewarding yourself for small successes will help make the process more fun and gratifying, so you'll be well on your way to achieving your resolution!
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