The key to keeping New Year’s resolutions is focusing on meaningful, manageable commitments that align with your life, goals and beliefs. Turn resolutions into lasting, positive changes by building habits, tracking progress and staying flexible.

Here’s how to focus on resolutions rather than specific goals:

Keep resolutions simple and realistic: Avoid making too many or overly ambitious resolutions. Instead, pick one to three resolutions you can realistically commit to. For example, instead of “network with everyone in the company,” try “have lunch with one new colleague a month.”

Choose resolutions that are important to you: Focus on resolutions tied to your values, not trends or external pressures. For example, if building stronger relationships with your partner and/or children is your priority, resolve to spend more time with family.

Focus on habits, not outcomes: While it may sound counterproductive, don’t limit your resolutions to just end results. Resolutions are about consistent actions so aim to create sustainable routines that lead to long-term change. For example, forget about “get a big raise this year” and focus instead on “regularly document achievements and share progress with my manager.”

Attach resolutions to existing routines: Integrate new behaviors into your daily life by linking them to habits you already have. For example, after sending your daily morning email, resolve to spend 10 minutes reviewing your goals for the day.

Make resolutions measurable: Add clarity to your resolution so you know when you’re sticking to it. For example, instead of “become better at public speaking,” resolve to “deliver one presentation to the team each quarter.”

Plan for small steps: Break your resolution into bite-sized, actionable steps. Focus on small, daily actions rather than a huge, abstract change. For example, if your resolution is to declutter your workspace, start by organizing one drawer a week.

Anticipate setbacks: Resolutions often fail because people don’t prepare for obstacles. Decide how you’ll respond if you face challenges. For example, if you resolve to “reply to all emails within 24 hours” but miss one, don’t panic – just get back on track the next day.

Track your progress: Use a simple system to monitor your resolution regularly. Reflect on how far you’ve come and adjust if needed. For example, keep a calendar to mark each day you stick to your resolution.

Celebrate milestones: Recognize progress along the way to stay motivated. Make rewards meaningful but aligned with your resolution. For instance, if your resolution is to save money by bringing your lunch to work each day, celebrate by treating yourself to a small, affordable indulgence after a successful month.

Make it flexible: Resolutions don’t have to be rigid. Adjust them if your circumstances or priorities change. Focus on the overall direction rather than perfection.

Tribune News Service
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