Every January, millions of people set lofty goals like eating better, saving more money, and working smarter—not harder. Soon after, you may wonder how to keep New Year’s resolutions and actually reach the goals you set.
The “February fade-out” is a classic problem for anyone trying to keep New Year’s resolutions. People start with good intentions, but when busy schedules and responsibilities hit, it’s normal for motivation to dip.
Focus on setting yourself up for success. What does that look like? Develop a repeatable system that works for any resolution—whether it’s New Year fitness goals, personal growth, or financial improvements. Your system might include:
- One to three resolutions instead of a long list, which increases your chances of success
- If-then plans to consider common obstacles
- Micro-goals to break big resolutions into manageable steps
- Accountability, like teaming up with others
You set a New Year’s resolution for a reason—it means something to you. When you follow through, you’ll feel more confident and satisfied, especially in areas you’ve struggled with—like finances. With a few simple steps, your resolutions can become a reality.
Set clear, specific goals
What are you hoping to accomplish? Whatever it is, your answer should be specific. Simply writing “I want to save more money” in your notes app isn’t enough to keep you on track.
Goals are most attainable when they’re crystal-clear, so try the SMART framework when writing resolutions. SMART stands for:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant
- Time-bound
The more details you include, the easier it is to stay on course. Try a SMART template that includes the action, duration or frequency, location (if applicable), and a desired outcome by a specific date. For example, rephrase your resolutions as: “I will save $2,000 by the end of the year by setting aside $40 each week for my first apartment.” See what a difference that makes?
And that’s not the only way to make your resolutions approachable.
Break big goals into small, scheduled actions
Since being specific makes resolutions more attainable, it’s time to dive deeper. By breaking your ultimate goal into several micro-goals, you can transform even the most ambitious resolutions into achievable actions.
The trick is to add micro-steps to your calendar. For instance, if your resolution is managing your finances better, you might schedule:
- 5 minutes every payday to transfer $50 from your checking account to savings account
- 10 minutes every Sunday to review your budget
- 15 minutes every Wednesday to read investing news
Introduce the 2-minute rule: when you’re short on time, even two minutes count toward building a habit. Also, use micro versions of your goal, like transferring $20 if you don’t have $50. When you break down your resolution like this, you realize anything is possible—as long as you stay consistent.
Create cues and routines that fit your day
For each micro-step you set up, attach a specific action or location—also known as habit stacking. The idea is to turn hard-to-stick-with actions into habits. If you want to learn a new language, look up five words after your morning coffee. If you want to exercise more, do 10 crunches after dinner.
Create if-then plans. If you don’t have time to look up five words after your morning coffee, look up two words then and three more before bedtime. Give yourself some grace and adjust as needed.
Creating cues and routines can involve:
- Setting reminder alarms across your devices
- Using smartwatches or fitness trackers to encourage daily movement
- Scheduling your smartphone to go into “Focus” mode at a specific time each day
- Pairing the habit with something enjoyable—like listening to your favorite music on wireless headphones
Eventually, you might not even need reminders—working toward your resolution will feel natural. And of course, you’re human—you won’t always have the time or energy, even for micro-goals. Keep in mind: if you miss those crunches on Tuesday, don’t miss them on Wednesday.
Once you notice that you’re consistently taking steps toward your goals, start measuring them.
Track your progress and celebrate small wins
Many people give up on their New Year’s resolutions by the second Friday in January—often called Quitter’s Day—because they think they’re stuck. This is why it’s crucial to track your progress. If you can see how far you’ve come, it’s easier to recognize that the finish line is getting closer.
Record your progress however you see fit. Ideas include:
- Logging activities in a habit-tracking app on your phone
- Taking daily photos of your efforts
- Reviewing weekly trends in fitness or banking apps to see what works and what can be adjusted
- Syncing trackers across your internet-enabled devices
Most importantly, celebrate your progress. Working toward a resolution isn’t always easy, and recognizing wins and rewarding consistency help combat discouragement. Affirmations help, too. Tell yourself, “I’m a person who enjoys moving my body,” instead of, “I want to exercise more.”
Of course, you might find even more success if you have others cheering you on.
Build accountability and support
Chances are that you’re not the only person researching how to keep your New Year’s resolutions. You likely have friends or family members who are also striving to achieve their goals.
Because there’s strength in numbers, recruit a “resolution buddy” or create a group chat with fellow goal-setters. Having a community that holds you accountable is incredibly valuable.
If no one in your personal life is tackling similar goals, turn to social media. Look for groups focused on saving money, training for marathons, or any other resolution you’re pursuing. These strangers can become your support network when your motivation dips.
In the end, keeping your New Year’s resolutions is all about setting yourself up for success. From writing down clear, attainable goals to using reminders and accountability apps to stay on track, you can reduce the chances of the February fade-out. The result? More day-to-day enjoyment by sticking with habits you enjoy that make your life easier.
No matter your resolution, the best time to start preparing is today. Make sure you have the tools you need—like tablets, smartphones, and unlimited 5G internet—to stay on track daily, weekly, and monthly to achieve your New Year’s resolutions.
