3 Foolproof Ways to Actually Follow Through With Your New Years Resolutions This Year

3 Foolproof Ways to Actually Follow Through With Your New Years Resolutions This Year A new year is upon us, and with that comes the opportunity for a fresh start often in the form of a New Years resolution.Whether youve vowed this is the year youll finally start hitting the gym before work, or making your way through the unread books on your shelf, or breaking out that fancy kitchen gadget you hardly ever use, its common to use this time to commit to self-improvement. In fact, its generally reported that anywhere from 40 to 50 percent of Americans make resolutions each year with a goal of bettering themselves in some capacity.But whats not as common? Actually accomplishing that goal. Studies show that only 8% of those who make resolutions fulfill them, and many give up as early as February. This means that the mglichkeits of becoming the new and improved you that you envisioned might be easier said than done.So how can you set yourself up for success and become parte of the 8% that crushes their New Years resolution? Here are three ways to hold yourself accountable and end the year a whole new you.1. Use the SMART goal framework.First things first, ensure that you make a resolution that you actually have a chance of achieving. When people are inspired about making a change in their lives, they tend to go big. They aim really, really high because theyre excited. But aiming too high sets them up for failure.Thats where the SMART goal framework comes in. When thinking about your resolution, make sure itsSpecificMeasurableAttainableRelevantTime-boundFor instance I want to go to the gym twice per week before work to become healthier. Its specific, youll easily know whether or not you achieved it, its not aiming too high (youre not saying youll go every day), it has relevancy (itll help you become healthier), and it has a time frame attached to it.In addition, ask yourself two key questionsOn a scale of 1 to 10, how important is this to me?On a scale of 1 to 10, ho w confident am I that I can do this?If the answer to both is 8 or above, you have a better chance of staying motivated and accomplishing your goal.2. Book time to work toward your resolution.How many times have you set out to achieve a resolution with the best of intentions, only to have life get in the way? It happens, but continually letting your goals fall by the wayside because you just dont have the time to dedicate to them is a big-time cop-out.An easy solution? Book time to work toward your goal in your calendar. Think about it would you blow off a meeting with your boss because you dont have time? Treat unterstellung sessions just as you would an important business meeting or appointment.For instance, if youve resolved to make one new recipe per week, determine when youll research the recipe, when youll go shopping for ingredients and when youll do the actual cooking. Once youve figured out where these tasks fit into your schedule, book them. And even mora importantly, uphol d them. After all, making an appointment with yourself to improve an area of your life is about as important as a meeting can get.3. Find an accountability partner.Are you the type of person who thrives on extrinsic motivators (think rewards like praise or money, or on the flipside, not being punished) more than intrinsic ones (self-satisfaction or enjoyment)? If so, finding an accountability partner might be the ticket to finally keeping your resolution.Enlist a friend whos also dedicated to meeting a goal, and regularly check in on each other to ensure youre both moving in the right direction. Sometimes simply knowing that youll have to tell someone you didnt do what you said you would is enough of a motivator to stick to your plan. And if youre concerned you and your friend will go too easy on each other, consider pairing up with a coworker you dont know that well, or even working with a coach to avoid letting yourself off the hook.While statistics may indicate that achieving you r New Years resolution isnt likely, trying these tips to hold yourself accountable will undoubtedly set you up for success.--Kaitlin Bitting is a content creator, public relations consultant and certified health wellness coach. Learn more about her work at www.kaitlinbitting.com.