Some plan to lose weight, others to save money and some people’s New Year’s Resolution is not to make a one!
Whatever the vow, today is officially the day that most people decide to abandon them completely.
January 17 is recognised as the day that most resolutions fall by the wayside with people returning to living their lives exactly as they did before. So much so, that it’s earned the name Ditch New Year Resolutions Day in the US.
So how can we stick to those New Year’s resolutions that are becoming so difficult to maintain?
The University of Salford advises those wanting to quit to focus on their main motivation and to use the support of those around you.
“Keep your main motivation in mind and focus on the benefits of quitting smoking,” the Student Life advice and support says.
“One of the most crucial parts of quitting smoking is the support of your family and friends.”
One of the most common resolutions is to quit smoking with UK studies into people who quit in January indicating that they are more likely to be successful than those who quit at other times of year.
Quitting smoking is of course an extremely difficult task and making it a New Year’s Resolution is said to help add to the motivation, therefore making it easier to achieve.
One of the other main resolutions at this time of year is to save money and drive down personal debts.
A recent OnePoll survey, carried out for pensions provider Friend’s Life, suggested that nearly four out of ten adults have resolved to get to grips with their finances.
Financial website moneysavingexpert.com advises measures such as ditching your bank, avoiding premium supermarket brands and even haggling in high street stores.
Research by Favourite Voucher Codes found that saving money was the most popular New Year’s Resolution with others making the top ten including spending less time working and giving up chocolate.
Losing weight also features on the list with many deciding that the New Year will bring about a fitter, healthier person.
However it is advised that trying to diet too fast will mean you are less likely to be able to stick to it.
Helpguide.org recommends starting slowly and making small changes to eating habits over the course of time.
“Trying to make your diet healthy overnight isn’t realistic or smart,” they warn.
“Changing everything at once usually leads to cheating or giving up on your new eating plan.”
While some new year’s resolutions are life affirming, changes for good others are more trivial such as watching at least 100 films in a year or even to take more selfies.
Whatever the resolution, making it past January 17 is a big step and holding on to the motivation throughout the year requires serious willpower.
Image courtesy of c r i s , with thanks
