How to Stick to Your New Year’s Resolutions and Actually Achieve Them

As we cross the threshold into another year, people all over the globe are contemplating their New Year’s resolutions. This age-old tradition, alive for centuries, continues to breathe life into our aspirations. With 2024 gracing us as a leap year, it feels as though we’ve been gifted an extra day to finally instigate some positive changes in our lives.

From cutting back on vices like drinking and smoking to embarking on a journey of fitness, many of us set our sights on self-improvement. According to Omid Fotuhi, a social psychologist and the Director of Learning Innovation at WGU Labs, the desire to set goals is an intrinsic yearning for personal growth and expansion.

For Josh Moore, a resident of Florida, the focus this year is anchored in leading a healthier lifestyle. “I aspire to reduce my alcohol intake and cut back on cigar smoking. I also aim to save more money and elevate my overall quality of life,” says Moore.

A recent marketing study unveiled that over 40 per cent of survey participants commenced their streaks on January 1st. These streaks, be it in running or language-learning, play a pivotal role in keeping people motivated. As per Danny Weathers, a professor at Clemson University, many individuals use New Year’s Day as the launchpad for their streaks. The notion is that transforming a behaviour into a streak forms a habit, although Weathers highlights that not everyone is equally driven by streaks.

Advancements in tracking and monitoring technology have amplified the popularity of streaks, with marketers employing notifications to keep individuals on track. This surge in streaks has also spilled over into the online realm. However, Fotuhi underscores the importance of setting practical goals, rooted in the present rather than clinging to outmoded standards.

As we embark on our New Year’s resolutions, it is imperative to bear in mind that change is no easy feat. Taking small, attainable steps and leveraging technology to our advantage can aid in sustaining our motivation and realizing our objectives. Here’s to a triumphant 2024 and transforming those New Year’s resolutions into reality!