It is no surprise that two of the top three New Year’s resolutions in 2019 were “eat healthier” and “get more exercise,” both aimed at losing weight. Many people start the year with good intentions, but research shows that only about 8 percent succeed, and around 80 percent of resolutions fade by the second week of February.
We do not want you to be part of that statistic. If you are starting to fall off the resolution wagon, these practical tips can help you redefine your goals and get back on track.
Get Specific
General goals like “eat healthier” or “exercise more” are too vague to sustain motivation.
Instead, set clear, tangible goals. For example:
- “I will skip potato chips and dessert for the next six months.”
- “I will walk 30 minutes, five days a week.”
Mapping out how you will achieve your goals makes success more achievable and easier to track.
Reassess Your Resolutions
Ambition is great, but unrealistic goals set you up for disappointment.
For most people, losing 20 pounds per month for six months is not realistic and can be discouraging.
A more sustainable target is:
- 1–2 pounds per week, or
- 4–8 pounds per month
Anything beyond that is a bonus, not an expectation.
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Give Yourself a Visual
The scale is useful, but daily weigh-ins can be discouraging and do not always show the full picture.
Try a visual accountability tool such as two jars and marbles or decorative stones:
- One jar labeled “Pounds I Have to Lose.”
- One jar labeled “Pounds I Have Lost.”
Each time you lose a pound, move a marble from the first jar to the second. If you gain weight back, move a marble back.
Seeing your progress in a tangible way can keep motivation high, even when the scale feels slow.
Believe You Can Do It
Negative self-talk can quietly sabotage your efforts.
Remember Henry Ford’s words: “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you are right.”
Your mindset has a powerful impact on your success:
- Expect setbacks and plateaus; they are normal.
- Focus on what you are doing well, not just what you want to change.
- Remind yourself that you can lose weight and keep it off with the right support and strategy.
Redefine your resolutions with these strategies and set yourself up for lasting success, not just a strong January.
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