Five useful tips to help you stick to your New Year’s resolution in 2022

Gillian Keegan grilled on 'uncertainty' of New Year's Eve

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Going on a new diet, limiting your screen time or putting down a house deposit are all examples of commitments that people make when New Year’s Eve rolls around. The problem for most is that barely a dent is made into their January before they’ve already caved in and gone back on their word. So, if you’re struggling to stick to the ‘new you’, how can you make sure that this year you see it through?

As Editor-in-Chief of Verywell Mind – a UK company recognised for its reliable information on mental health topics – Amy Morin is better placed than most to offer advice when it comes to this topic.

A licensed psychotherapist since 2002 and an award winning author of four books on mental health, she believes that most people struggle to keep to New Year’s resolutions because they “lack motivation and an internal desire to change”.

She said: “Many people start resolutions because the date on the calendar changed, not because they’re actually ready to change.

“At other times, people create goals that aren’t measurable. They want to be ‘happier’ or ‘healthier’ but those vague statements aren’t helpful. You won’t know if you’re making progress and it doesn’t tell you what action steps to take.”

Consequently, she’s laid out her top five tips for people to adopt so that they can stick to their New Year’s resolutions in 2022.

1.) Establish a measurable goal

First, Ms Morin says don’t bother creating a vague resolution like, “I want to get healthier”.

This is because these goals will feel intangible when you have days where you don’t feel like you’re reaching your goals and thus are more likely to give up with them.

Instead she advises that you create measurable targets like, “I want to go to the gym three nights per week” as you will then have a clear goal to aim for.

2.) Identify clear action steps

To adhere to this piece of advice you should create a plan that includes immediate objectives that will create change.

Whether that’s going to eat a salad for lunch every day or stopping yourself from eating out until you’ve paid off your credit card bill you should commit to taking action that will help you get closer to your goal.

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3.) Set yourself up for success

Ms Morin says it’s “easy” to feel motivated early on into the process but after a week or two your motivation will start to “naturally wane”.

She says to prepare for that dip in motivation, you should set yourself up for success well in advance. Make bad habits inconvenient and good habits convenient.

For example, by keeping your workout gear packed and ready to go you’ll be more likely to do things that feel easy, even when your motivation declines.

4.) Plan for obstacles

There will always be temptations and obstacles that could easily derail you from your resolution. For instance, it may be an invitation to dinner that could blow your budget or your diet.

With that in mind, think about the obstacles you’re likely to encounter in the first weeks after establishing your resolution. Consider how you’ll navigate these challenges, and develop a plan.

Indeed, planning ahead for the probable challenges can help you feel equipped to handle the unexpected obstacles that crop up along the way as well.

5.) Start when you’re ready

Ms Morin emphasises that there is no rush to start a New Year’s resolution from January 1 and that you might even be putting yourself at a disadvantage by doing so.

Start working on your goal when you’re ready. However, that’s not to say you need to wait until you feel fully confident before starting as that may never happen.

Instead, make sure you’re committed to the goal, and you’ve thought through what you’ll need to do and how you’re going to do it.

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