9 Hacks to Help You Stick to Your New Year's Resolution

If that's your thing.


1. Transform your resolution into something that can be measured by numbers. Instead of resolving to "read more books for fun in 2016," resolve to read one book outside of school every month. Rather than pledging to "work out more," resolve to run a 5K. If your resolution involves specific numbers, you'll have a more concrete goal to work toward.

2. Pick just one! Multiple resolutions sound great in theory — why not hit the refresh button on multiple parts of your life? But if you really want to follow through on a goal, choosing just one meaningful resolution allows you to laser-focus your efforts.

3. Set your alarm. If you're setting a daily resolution, like wearing sunscreen every day, set an alarm on your phone to serve as an easy reminder. When it goes off, well, you get it.

4. Schedule time to work on your resolution. You mark the date of your next big test in your assignment notebook, so why not try the same tactic with your resolution? Plan out when you're going to work on it — if your goal is to learn to cook, maybe you block off an hour every Thursday at 5 p.m. to try out a new recipe.

5. Enlist a friend. Choose a resolution that you and a friend can do together, like volunteering every Saturday afternoon at the same nursing home. That way, when your willpower starts to fade, you'll have someone to remind you of your goal to give back to your community. When she starts lagging, you'll be able to return the favor. And anyway, working toward a goal is 10 times more enjoyable when your bestie is by your side. 

6. Use social media to keep yourself accountable. Maybe you Periscope every time you clean your room, or post a workout selfie on Insta every time you hit the gym. Having a group of followers who cheer you on will keep you motivated to reach your goals!

7. Celebrate milestones. If you have rewards to look forward to, you're more likely to stick to your goal. For example, if your resolution is quit biting your nails, reward yourself with a salon manicure for every month you go without nibbling away. That way, whenever you're tempted to give up, you'll have a concrete reward lingering in the back of your mind that will help you stay on track. 

8. Place reminders where you can see them. Whether that's a sticky note on your bathroom mirror reminding you to take off your makeup before bed or a sign your bedroom door urging you to make your bed every morning.

9. Don't make one! There's no rule that you have to make promises about how you'll live your life in the new year. Resolutions aren't for everybody, and that's OK. You're perfect just the way you are!

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
More From Friends & Family