As the calendar flips to a new year, it’s natural to reflect on what we want to achieve, change, or improve. But when it comes to goal-setting, do New Year’s resolutions really work, or are they just a well-worn cliché?
Good news: setting resolutions can actually make a big difference! In fact, according to a study highlighted by IFL Science, people who make New Year’s resolutions are ten times more likely to achieve their goals than those who don’t. Intrigued? Let’s explore why this is.
Research consistently shows that goal-setting boosts motivation and gives us a sense of direction. When we define clear, actionable goals—like “I want to run a 5K by March” instead of “I want to be healthier”—we give ourselves a roadmap to success. Psychologist Dr. John Norcross, known for studying New Year’s resolutions, found that breaking goals into smaller, measurable steps and tracking progress increases the likelihood of success.
But there’s more: writing down your resolutions can make them even more effective. According to a study from Dominican University of California, those who wrote down their goals and shared them with friends had significantly higher success rates. So, consider sharing your goals with a supportive friend or a community (hello, accountability!).
Actionable Steps to Make Your Resolutions Stick:
- Set Specific Goals: Instead of vague aspirations like “get healthier,” set clear targets such as “exercise three times a week” or “eat five servings of vegetables daily.”
- Break Goals Into Manageable Steps: Outline smaller milestones to reach your goal, like starting with a 10-minute walk before gradually increasing exercise time.
- Write It Down: Put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and detail your goals. Research shows this simple act boosts your commitment and success.
- Track Your Progress: Use a journal, app, or calendar to monitor your achievements. Celebrate small wins to stay motivated.
- Share with Others: Tell a friend, join a support group, or engage with a community for accountability and encouragement.
- Stay Flexible: Life happens! Be willing to adapt and revise your goals without abandoning them entirely.
- Reflect Regularly: Check in with yourself weekly or monthly to see how you’re progressing and adjust as needed.
- Celebrate Successes: Recognize and reward yourself for milestones and progress made along the way.
So, if you’ve hesitated to make resolutions, take heart. Set clear, realistic goals and lean on your community for support. You’re not alone in the journey—and the odds are in your favour!
What goals are you excited to achieve? Use our goal setting blueprint to get you started… download [here].
