How to Keep Your 2021 Resolutions

Did you make resolutions this year? And if so, how it all that going? Researchers who have studied resolutions predict that most people will slip by January 19. If you’re in that faltering group, it’s time to bolster your commitment with some smart advice. We turned to three resolution experts for their very best, simple tips for keeping your commitment to grow this year.

Think Small

Aiming big is great, and losing a ton of weight or saving a large sum of money is a worthy goal–but can be overwhelming. “Crafting smaller, shorter-term resolutions or check-ins (as you work toward this larger, long-term goal), is a really smart, strategic move,” says Joy Bauer, MS, RDN, health and nutrition expert for NBC’s TODAY show, #1 New York Times bestselling author and host of a new, weekly, interactive Amazon Live show, Health, Happiness, Joy. She adds: “That’s because small changes are easier to stick with, more tangible and more rewarding.” For more advice from Joy, you can find episodes of her live Amazon Show to watch anytime at  https://www.amazon.com/shop/joybauer.

Show Yourself Some Love

Don’t punish yourself for slipping—praise yourself for succeeding. “When you do something good, reward yourself. Eat a new veggie, celebrate with a non-food prize, like a great new nail polish. Go an extra five minutes on your daily walk, splurge for a new podcast or audio book to encourage another 5 on the next one. This good feeling will only encourage more positive behavior,” says Joy.

Plan to Succeed

Start your week on Sunday with a planning session. “Before the week begins, put aside 15-30min either alone or with your partner to connect on the week ahead. Plan out your workouts, meetings, and to-do’s that you want to make sure you address for the week to stay on track,” says celebrity trainer Anna Kaiser, who has worked with stars like Kelly Ripa and Karlie Kloss. She adds: “I find that if I don’t take this time every week, everything takes off on Monday and it’s impossible to fit it all in.”

Put EVERYTHING in your Calendar

This is one of Anna’s favorite tips. So what does she mean by “everything”? “Even your grocery list. Even the time it takes you to get from point a to point b. Even time for hobbies or a bath,” says Anna.  The more you write down, the more likely you will be to make time for it, she says…and be realistic about making it all happen.

Make Your Goals Super Specific

Like Joy, Stacy S. Crawley, a certified life coach who specializes in empowering moms, says that goals shouldn’t be these huge, vague ideas…instead, pinpoint exactly what you want to do.  “Take time to cast your vision and make it plain. Oftentimes, it can be very hard to know where you’re going or achieve your desired goals if you’ve yet to sit down and set the direction of your path,” says Stacy.