It’s that time of year again….across America, New Year’s Resolutions are being made! What better time is there to start a new habit or break a bad one than on the first day of a New Year? A blank slate awaits, and most folks take advantage of it! Statistics show that nearly half of Americans make New Year’s Resolutions come January 1.
What are the most common resolutions year in, year out? Let’s take a look!
1. Lose Weight
Weight loss after the holidays is easily the number one resolution that people have. Aside from starting a new year and a clean slate many of us feel like we overindulge over the holidays. So weight loss is usually top of mind when it comes to January. Statistics show that approximately 38% of Americans have weight related resolutions each year. However, overall only 8% of us actually successfully achieve their resolutions. So when it comes to weight loss, make achievable goals that you can meet to be successful rather than lofty goals that might be hard to achieve or maintain.
2. Get Organized
Another common resolution is one having to do with organization. Whether that be cleaning out a closet, organizing a garage, or finally creating folders on a computer for all of those photos currently saved on the desktop…organization is a common goal for the New Year. The start of a new year is also a good time to get organized at work. Many people start new organizers and file away everything from the previous year. It is naturally a good time to declutter and get ready for a fresh start come January 1.
3. Monetary goals
Decreasing spending and increasing saving are an extremely common New Year’s resolution. Money trouble is a huge issue causing stress for individuals and on relationships. Oftentimes, simple changes in this area can lead to big results. Having just come off of the increased spending often accompanying the holiday season (gifts, decorations, trips), many people find this the perfect time to get serious about a budget!
4. Living life to the fullest
Spending more time with family. Volunteering for a worthwhile cause. Laughing more. Doing something adventurous. There are a number of common resolutions that fall in this category. Finding something that gets a person excited for the next 365 days ahead is a wonderful way to ring in the New Year!
5. Staying Fit & Healthy
Many people aim to improve their health in the New Year. But aside from just make weight loss resolutions many also try to live a healthier lifestyle. Quitting bad habits or deciding this is the year they will run that marathon or take better care of themselves. Maybe it is resolving to be more active or sleep better. Whatever your healthy resolutions are you should set goals to help ensure you meet these resolutions.
6. Learn Something New
Did you know that actually a larger percentage of people make self-improvement and education related goals more than weight loss? 47% to be exact. Whether it is improving your skills to further your career or start a new career path, many of us feel like a new year is a good time to make these goals. Its never to late to learn new skills. It is also said that many successful people never stop learning. Even if it is new skill that is outside of work taking the time improve yourself will only help your wellbeing.
7. Quit Smoking
Quitting smoking is definitely a top new year resolution, especially for those who have smoked for a long time. Quitting smoking will definitely improve your health overall. In order to be successful ensure you get support from family and friends. It is never too late to stop smoking.
8. Volunteer
The holidays are always a time for reflection. It starts at Thanksgiving when many of us reflect on what we are thankful for and continue throughout the holiday season. Helping others can improve your wellbeing and give you a great sense of fulfillment. There is no greater gift than helping others. Many of us feel like a new year is a great time to set goals to make time to get involved in the community and help others.
9. De-stress
This is a resolution that many of us seek through some of the other items on this list. Some of us feel like staying fit and healthy will help reduce stress, or learning a new skill with help with stress levels. Whatever you feel will help you reduce your stress levels you should strive to do this beginning this month. We all know that stress is very bad for your health so taking steps to reduce your stress this year will help your total wellbeing.
10. Spend More Time With Family
At the end of the year as things slow down for most of us we tend to reflect a lot on the previous year. Many of us think back and wonder where the time went and sometimes that means reflecting on the time we spent with or without our families. Did we spend enough quality time? Have you lost touch with friends or family members? Did you make time to teach your kid how to ride his bike or build that treehouse for them? Many may feel that they need to make sure that they spend more time with their loved ones.
The bottom line is that whatever resolutions you make or don’t make, you should cherish your life and the moments that happen. According to Statiscticbrain.com people who make resolutions are 10 times more likely to reach their goals than those who don’t set aside any. You are in control of your life and you have the power to change direction. Good luck and have a wonderful year.
What are your New Year’s Resolutions this year?
Stay tuned for an upcoming blog post on how to stick to the resolutions you set out to implement in 2017!