Despite Brits’ initial enthusiasm for their New Year’s resolutions, 1 in 10 tend to throw in the towel during January. Another 1 in 5 calls it quits by the end of March, according to a new study of 2,000 people by a fitness coach app Zing Coach. Some 40% blame stress for breaking their New Year’s resolutions, while another 30% say it’s due to financial reasons.
Therefore, we give you 6 tips to stick to your results in 2024. These tips are by Shi Xing Mi (Walter Gjergja) — a Shaolin secular monk of the 32nd generation, Co-Founder & Chief Wellness Officer at AI-powered personal trainer app Zing Coach.
According to Shi Xing Mi (Walter Gjergja), these 6 simple steps will help you stick to your goals and become a better version of yourself this year:
Set specific and realistic goals. Vague resolutions like ‘get fit’, or ‘lose weight’ or ‘be healthier’ are difficult to implement, measure and achieve. Instead, set specific goals like ‘exercise three times a week’, which make it easy to track the habit, measure progress and stay motivated.
Break big ambitious goals into smaller, manageable steps. Small steps can lead to a long journey. Large goals can be overwhelming, seemingly unachievable and disheartening, but breaking them down into smaller, achievable steps can make them feel far less daunting, and each step becomes a rewarding success in itself.
Track your progress. Keeping a record of your progress helps maintain motivation and provides a sense of accomplishment. Whether it’s an app, a journal, or a simple checklist, seeing your progress is a powerful motivator.
Find an accountability partner. Sharing your goals with a friend or family member can help keep you accountable; they can join your journey, or simply offer support, encouragement, and a gentle nudge when you need it.
Stay flexible and adjust as needed. Life can be unpredictable, and it’s important to be flexible with your goals. If you encounter setbacks, don’t be too hard on yourself, mindfully accept the momentary challenge and adjust your plans and strategies as needed. Most goals and habit-forming changes are about consistent effort over the long term, so don’t overstress about short-term impediments.
Remember the ‘why’ behind your goals. Keep in mind the reasons why you set the New Year’s resolutions in the first place. Whether it’s for personal development, health, or achieving a long-held dream, remembering the “why” can reignite your motivation if it wanes.
