Fox News recently published that nearly half of the U.S. population would make at least one New Year’s resolution this January. Topping the list were a familiar few: getting out of debt, getting in better shape and becoming a better person. However, according to a recent CBS News article, an estimated 36% of resolution makers will break their proposed resolution by the end of January. By July, that number reportedly will climb to over 50%. And by year’s end, less than 10% of resolution makers are expected to find success according to a study Fox News cited.
So how do we join that 10% and fight the status quo? As we return to reality this week and settle back into the rhythm of our routines, it is no secret that our willpower will be put to the test. Studies say it takes three weeks to establish a habit, so arguably the first few weeks of January will be some of the hardest. Bookmark this list of five fresh resources to fight resolution relapse and arm yourself with an arsenal of inspiration for when the going gets tough!
May 2016 be your best year yet!
Plan Your Best Year Ever
It’s a new year and perhaps you know you’re ready for a change, but maybe unsure where to begin? Check out Ruth Soukup’s free guide, “How to Plan Your Best Year Ever” on her popular blog Living Well Spending Less. The New York Times Best Selling author has made a name for herself helping others transform their household spending habits and garner the courage to chase big dreams with simple, practical tips and anecdotes derived from her own experiences.
Use your Mobile to Stay on Track
Get techy with it and enlist the help of your smartphone. Daryl Lindsey of The Every Girl cited ten new apps you likely haven’t heard of that will really amp up your resolution tackling game. Our favorites included Level Money, a game changing budget tracker app that links to your checking accounts, Green Kitchen, full of garden fresh recipes perfect for those adopting meatless Mondays, and Strava, for the aspiring or experienced runner alike who’s motivated by a little social competition.
Sign a Commitment Contract
Put your money where your mouth is and sign a Commitment Contract with Stickk. A free goal-setting platform created by behavioral economists at Yale University, Stickk allows users to leverage the power of incentives and accountability as motivation to accomplish their goals. Users define their goal, establish a timeline to accomplish it and put something at stake (whether it be money or reputation). Proven to increase people’s chances of success by up to 3x. “Losing $10 to an enemy feels like $20 or even $30, so you push yourself harder,” said Dean Karlan, PhD, Professor of Economics at Yale and a founder of Stickk, in a recent article for Fitness Magazine.
Get Two Fitness Trainers, Absolutely Free
A common resolution for many is fitness related. But if saving money or spending less also rank on your list of New Year’s resolutions, you may find your finances and fitness goals working against each other. Insert Fitness Blender, a website launched in 2010 by husband and wife duo, Daniel and Kelli Segars, two personal trainers with a vision that fitness should be accessible to all regardless of income. The site now offers 400+ full length, free work out videos, in addition to a blog with nutrition information and community creating challenges.
Stay Inspired
Sometimes all you need to get back on the right track is a healthy dose of inspiration. Harness the power of your motivation with one of these rousing mantras or moving quotes, curated by Camille Styles on her Austin based lifestyle blog.
We want to know! Did you make any resolutions this year? How do you plan to stay on track in 2016?
