Making resolutions is easy, but sticking to them? That’s where the real challenge lies. It’s all about mind over matter.

Psychology offers us some pretty nifty tricks to make those new resolutions not just another entry in our diary, but achievable goals.

Here are seven secrets from the world of psychology that can help you make your resolutions a roaring success.

Let’s get started.

1) Set SMART goals

We all have aspirations and dreams, but turning them into achievable resolutions is where many of us falter. The world of psychology introduces us to the concept of SMART goals.

SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. It’s a principle used widely in project management and personal development.

Being vague about your resolutions like “I want to be healthier” might sound good but it doesn’t give you a clear path to success. Instead, aim for SMART goals like “I will walk 30 minutes every day for the next three months”.

This way, you have a specific target in mind that you can measure, it’s achievable and relevant to your overall objective of leading a healthier lifestyle, and has a deadline attached to it.

2) Break it down

I’ve always been a big fan of reading. However, I found myself struggling to make time for it in my busy schedule. So, I made a resolution to read more.

Initially, I set a lofty goal of reading 50 books in a year. Sounds great, right? But, by the end of January, I had barely finished one book and felt overwhelmed.

It was then that I realized the power of breaking down goals.

Instead of aiming for 50 books in a year, I decided to read 10 pages every day. It was a smaller, more manageable goal, but it added up over time.

This simple step made the task less intimidating and easier to stick to. And guess what? By the end of the year, I had surpassed my initial goal and read 52 books!

3) Embrace the power of visualization

Visualization is a powerful tool in achieving your goals. It’s not just about daydreaming, but actively picturing yourself achieving your resolutions.

Research has shown that people who visualize their process are more likely to make consistent progress than those who simply focused on the outcome. This is because visualizing the steps needed to reach your goal can prepare you for the challenges you may encounter along the way.

Take some time each day to visualize not just your end goal, but also the steps you will take to get there. This practice can help keep you motivated and committed to your resolution.

4) Find your ‘why’

When setting resolutions, it’s crucial to understand the underlying reason behind why you want to achieve them. This is often referred to as your ‘why’.

Your ‘why’ is your motivator, your driving force. It’s what pushes you to keep going when things get tough.

Say, for example, you’ve made a resolution to lose weight. Instead of focusing solely on the number on the scale, dig a little deeper. Is it because you want to lead a healthier lifestyle? Or maybe you want to be able to play with your kids without getting winded?

By identifying and understanding your ‘why’, you connect with your resolution on a deeper level. This connection can significantly enhance your motivation and commitment, increasing the likelihood of sticking to your resolution.

5) Celebrate the small wins

I used to be really harsh on myself. If I didn’t achieve a goal within the set time, I would beat myself up about it, losing motivation to continue.

Then, I discovered the power of celebrating small wins. Each step towards my resolution was progress, and that deserved recognition.

When I started my journey to lead a healthier lifestyle, even replacing one unhealthy snack with a fruit was a victory. I realized these small wins were stepping stones leading to my bigger goal.

Don’t wait until you’ve reached your end goal to celebrate. Give yourself credit for every bit of progress you make. It not only boosts your morale but also keeps you motivated to keep pushing forward.

Progress, no matter how small, is still progress.

6) Stay accountable

Sticking to resolutions can be tough, especially when you’re doing it alone. That’s where accountability comes in.

Find someone you trust and share your resolution with them. Let them know what you’re hoping to achieve and how you plan to get there.

When someone else knows about your goals, it adds an extra layer of motivation. You’re not just letting yourself down if you don’t follow through, but also the person you’ve shared your resolution with.

This doesn’t mean you should feel pressure or anxiety over it. Instead, see it as a support system that encourages you to keep going.

Whether it’s a friend, a family member, or even a professional coach, find someone who can help hold you accountable to your resolutions.

7) Be kind to yourself

This is arguably the most important aspect of maintaining resolutions.

At times, despite our best efforts, we may falter. And that’s okay. We’re human and bound to make mistakes or have off days.

When you stumble, don’t be hard on yourself. Instead, treat it as a learning experience. Understand what caused the setback and how you can avoid it in the future.

Resolutions are about improvement, not perfection. The key is to keep moving forward, no matter how slow the pace may be. It’s about progress, not perfection.

Be patient with yourself, and remember: every day is a new opportunity to try again.

Final reflection: It’s a journey

When it comes to resolutions, it’s essential to remember that they aren’t simply about the destination, but the journey as well.

Every step you take, every obstacle you overcome, and every small victory you celebrate contributes to your eventual success. And these aren’t just motivational words; they’re backed by psychology.

Dr. Carol Dweck, a renowned psychologist and researcher at Stanford University, has extensively studied the concept of “growth mindset”. This mindset encourages us to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than roadblocks.

So, as you embark on the journey of your new resolutions, remember to embrace the process. Learn from the setbacks, celebrate the progress, and never forget why you started in the first place.

Resolutions are not just about achieving a goal; they’re about growth, learning, and ultimately becoming a better version of yourself. And that’s a journey worth undertaking.