New Year, New Goals: Secrets for Making Those Resolutions Stick

Our Community Feature by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Ringing in a new year always carries something magical about it. It’s a bittersweet time, when we say goodbye to the past and optimistically look forward to our future. As 2021 changes to 2022, we’re motivated by opportunities to restart, set goals, accomplish tasks, and sometimes, completely start over.

We all make New Year’s Resolutions, planning in this new year to do everything better than we did last year. We pledge to do things differently. We resolve to save more money or go to the gym consistently. We’ll keep in touch with family more often or we’ll finally check an important item off our bucket list. Some of the most common New Year’s Resolutions are to exercise more, lose weight, practice self-care, get organized, learn a new skill or hobby, save more money and spend more time with family and friends.

But did you know that less than half of those New Year’s Resolutions actually stick? Sure, we may start out strong, but studies — and our own personal experiences — prove that those pledges to do better wither away within the first two months. No matter what you are resolving to do, there are a few ways you can set yourself up for success in 2022. It’s going to take some extra effort on your end, but it will be worth it.

Set Meaningful Goals

Be sure that the goal you are striving for is for reasons that are internal to yourself and not put upon you by others. Ask yourself WHY you want to reach your goal. If it’s truly something YOU want, then you are much more likely to succeed.

Make a Plan

Abstract resolutions are harder to execute than ones that describe specific ways you will work towards your goals. Sit down and write down HOW you will make this the year you finally achieve what you want. Your plan should also include detailed steps about how you will get back on track if you start to lose your way.

Tell Someone

Your resolutions are more likely to fade away if no one knows about them. Find someone you trust and someone who will be supportive and tell them about your goals and your plan. Sharing your why and your how is a crucial component, and doing so will make you more resolute and persistent.

Celebrate the Little Wins

Goals aren’t achieved overnight, which is why you’re much more likely to succeed if you reward yourself for the steps you take along the way. This should be part of your overall plan, so be specific about how and when you will reward yourself. Just be sure your reward isn’t allowing yourself to perform the habit you are trying to overcome!

CORINTHIAN

On The Square Salon & Spa

We checked in with some of our Sponsors for tips and advice on great ways to start and what to focus on. First up is Expert Contributor Sandra Cannon of Corinthian on The Square Salon & Spa. Sandra said that if one of your resolutions is to spend more time caring for your skin, the best way to start is from the inside.

The most important skincare tip, especially in the winter months, is keeping your body hydrated,” she said. “You need to be sure to drink 8–10 8-ounce glasses of water each day.

Sandra also said that adding healthy fats like avocado to your diet will naturally moisturize your skin.

On the outside, Sandra said to wash your face with cool water and exfoliate every week.

It is incredibly important to maintain a healthy skin cell membrane for softer and more supple skin," said Sandra, "So you should also use a water-based moisturizer.

Finally, she said that keeping active will boost your circulation and keep your skin young and radiant.

Sandra’s expert advice gives you a multi-faceted approach to taking better care of your skin, and it’s an example of how a simple, general resolution requires a systematic approach and a detailed plan. You’re much more likely to succeed and be consistent if you consider every step in the process and plan on how to incorporate each step into your daily life.

Del Pizzo & Associates

A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION

Certified Public Accountants

If getting your finances in better shape is your priority in 2022, then it’s best to listen to professional advice from Expert Contributor Jack Del Pizzo, CPA of Del Pizzo & Associates.

My advice is to save money for retirement,” recommended Jack. “It doesn’t matter how young or how old you are, you should be saving for a secure future.

Jack said that people often get overwhelmed with the thought of saving a significant amount of money so they never get started. He said,

Your investment journey starts with a single step, and you have to be willing to take it.

By implementing the strategies offered here and heeding the advice of our Expert Contributors, you will be well on your way to finally reaching those goals on your TO-DO list. Make 2022 your year to resolve to crush those resolutions. You don’t need luck; you just need the right plan!