New Year’s resolutions are a staple to starting your new year off right. But when it comes to actually keeping your resolutions, it’s common for your resolve to dissolve.
In fact, most people will break their New Year’s resolution as early as January 12. That means that if you start on the first of January, you won’t even make it two weeks before your resolve begins to crack.
And the numbers only get worse.
In a study performed by the University of Scranton, they found only 8% of people actually manage to achieve the goals they set for the new year.
While most Americans hope to focus on their health in the new year — namely, losing weight — few people are actually able to achieve these lofty goals. Whether it be a deterioration of your resolve or an accident that set you back, countless people struggle to lose weight or find their dream job or quit smoking (a goal which The Rock Father™ actually achieved).
It’s important to start small and build your way up to loftier goals. It’s also vital that you don’t give up entirely if you happen to slip up now and then. After all, it’s impossible to achieve a list of goals in one day.
To help you on your way, here are five achievable goals to start your 2019 off right.
Health
Many Americans hope to lose weight in the new year, but this is more of a lifestyle change than a simple resolution. There are many components to losing weight including an exercise program and a change in diet. This is a lofty goal for someone who is stuck in a habit.
Start small. Making simple, healthy changes can encourage you to alter other areas of your life as well. It’s estimated that almost half of the U.S. population are unhappy with their teeth, with 64% of Americans citing discoloration as the worst offender. Doing something as simple as buying a water pik flosser or a great mouthwash is a healthy step in the right direction.
You should also prioritize your health, however. It’s estimated that three million people across the U.S. have gotten dental implants and this number is only expected to grow. Whether it’s for cosmetic reasons or a necessary fix you’ve been putting off, investing in your health is easy when you plan early.
Beauty
This year saw the rise of self-care and skin care routines, but 2019 is expected to continue this trend.
Moisturizing on a regular basis will keep your skin healthy and promote elasticity. After all, your skin is the largest organ in (err…on?) your body. Moisturizing twice a day can help prevent wrinkles and other signs of premature aging.
Fun
This is the best way to mix health and vitality. Instead of focusing on losing weight, try engaging in activities that get your blood pumping. When you find a new hobby that you enjoy, health benefits can fall into place afterward.
Physical activity has been proven to help both your physical and mental health. And by exploring an activity for the sake of fun, you won’t feel like you’re working out in the process, especially if you do it with friends.
“You’re more likely to stick with what you love because your mindset is in a positive place beforehand, and your endorphins will guide you throughout,” claims certified trainer Macie Crumb. “You’ll also reap the feel-good benefits of endorphins and won’t hyperfocus on the scale’s number or the number of calories burned.”
Home
If you’ve been needing to make a necessary repair, 2019 is the time to get it done. By planning this important fix early in the year, you can ensure you prepare far enough in advance that it doesn’t drain your bank account. It also ensures that you have enough time to shop around for the best deals and prices in your area.
Whether you’re sprucing up your home to sell it or you simply want to fix it up, keep in mind even a small kitchen remodel can yield an 82% return on investment.
After all, upgrading your windows or doors can save you nearly $400 per year in energy savings alone. If you’ve been putting off home repairs, there’s no better time to start planning than now.
Money
Money management is all about weighing the pros and the cons. For example, if you want to save money on your electric bill, making constant repairs on an old HVAC unit won’t help in the long run — in fact, it will cost you more money each year in repairs alone.
Determining whether to buy new or keep the old is a time-old issue that weighs on every homeowner’s mind. But sometimes, it’s best to invest in items that make your life easier. Modern air conditioners use around 50% less energy than models made in the 1990s. To improve their longevity, be sure to get them inspected twice per year. If you’re struggling with larger purchases, try weighing the pros and the cons before you make a final decision.
Countless New Year’s resolutions are abandoned or forgotten every year. When you want to create a list of goals you can achieve, try these tips for improving your life one step at a time.
