How to keep to your New Year's resolution in 2022 - five top tips
THE New Year will see millions of people attempt to make honest changes to their lives through the magic of resolutions, but the thoroughly exhausting nature of the last two years may make them tough to realise. Express.co.uk has expert advice on successfully keeping to resolutions as the year rolls around.
New Year's resolution trends discussed by CNN's Harry Enten
A study published by researchers from Edith Cowan University last year found that, of 180 British and Australian adults, approximately 64 percent abandoned their resolutions within a month. As people risk doing the same in 2022, psychologists from Companion, an app designed to help people deal with anxiety and stress at work, provided Express.co.uk with a wealth of advice. Their five recommendations should help people enter February and beyond with their resolutions intact.
SMART goals
The first step in making a goal more achievable is using the SMART method.
The mnemonic acronym advises people to make their goals specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
The psychologists recommended the method to "stay motivated and make genuine, long-lasting changes".
READ MORE: Mrs Hinch fans share ‘amazing’ hacks to remove mould on bathroom walls
Know your "why"
Resolutions, Companion suggests, are about initiating behavioural changes that try to "replace firmly set patterns that have often existed since childhood".
The way to make these changes is with the correct motivation, which, in turn, requires a reason "why".
The experts said: "Once you have clearly defined your why, you’ll have a formidable intrinsic anchor that will help keep you grounded in your intention during those times and situations that distract you from your goal."
Take it easy
The Companion experts state human behaviour follows the "Law of Least Effort" whereby people are more likely to the complete goals they perceive as the most achievable.
They suggested: "Create an environment where doing the right thing is as easy as possible.
"You can do so by breaking goals into small, manageable SMART goals, prepping and planning ahead of time and using strategic cues and triggers to help remind you to do the things you want to."
Find support
Resolutions work on furthering personal, individual development, but they need not be lonely.
The Companion psychologists state research shows one of the best predictors of social change is support.
They advised people to set resolutions while "assembling your own personal team of supporters" with someone in each area they hope to improve to keep them on track.
Reward yourself
Following the age-old rule of positive reinforcement is vital with resolutions, the experts added.
People should find "creative" ways to reward themselves, whether big or small, that will keep them filled with energy on their journey.
They concluded: "The more enjoyable the process is, the more likely you are to stick with it.