It's that time of year again when millions of people make New Year's resolutions, determined to break bad habits, or improve their lives by losing weight, saving money or cutting back on Netflix. But come June, only 40% of them will have stuck to it, with that number dwindling even further throughout the year.
On average, it takes more than 2 months before a new behavior becomes automatic — 66 days to be exact. And how long it takes a new habit to form can vary widely depending on the behavior, the person, and the circumstances. With that said, here are five tips on how to start the new year on the strongest footing:
1. Be concrete
When making declarations, avoid vague sweeping statements like "I will be more mindful." Instead focus on the activity that is associated with that goal and get very specific: "I will meditate for 10 minutes every day after brushing my teeth"
2. Find an accountability buddy.
A shared goal might be easier to achieve with a friend. Make a date with your friend at the gym to keep up with your health-focused resolutions. Making the new habit a social activity makes it less boring and more likely to stick.
3. Track and monitor your progress.
Keeping careful notes and data on your progress provides the necessary fuel on persevering when the new habit starts slipping.
4. Set yourself up for success
Make the new habits easy to adopt. Remove temptations and replace them with alternatives. Would you like to break the habit of scrolling through your phone in bed, but you are used to having your phone as an alarm clock? Create a charging station outside of the bedroom and get a beautiful alarm clock for your night stand.
5. Allow yourself to fail
We are all human. We all fall off the wagon. It’s not all or nothing. Sometimes, after a long day at work, you might skip your workout, or forget to write in your journal; that doesn't mean you failed your resolutions. Just remember to start fresh the next day and keep going.
