Make Resolutions Stick in 2017

Along with singing “Auld Lang Syne” at the start of the New Year, making resolutions is a tradition for millions of Americans. However, while choosing a resolution is easy, sticking to it can be challenging. A 2014 YMCA survey found that less than a quarter of respondents kept their resolutions. Many (71 percent) tried, but stated that they fell short of their goals, while 40 percent confessed that gave up within the first few months, even weeks, of the New Year!

This year, the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties is encouraging community members to give their New Year’s resolutions a boost by creating smaller, more manageable goals that can lead to success of a larger one.

“Rather than setting your goal for ‘being healthy,’ break it down into multiple, more manageable and measurable goals,” says Linda Davis, Y executive director, branch operations. “If you aren’t active at all right now, try to incorporate activity into your routine three days a week, before telling yourself that you’ll work out every single day.”

The Y also explains that reframing your goals in a positive way can help you stick to them. For example, you may want to limit your screen time in 2016, but that can be more manageable if you replace it with something positive like volunteering or setting special time aside for family. “Try not to think about what you’re missing, but rather what you’re gaining. This can make a resolution feel more positive, and therefore more achievable,” says Davis.

The Y also explains that it’s important to not let yourself get discouraged by setbacks. Even though you may experience some missteps throughout the day—or even the week—that doesn’t mean you have to give up.

Below are four tips the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties recommends to help 2017 New Year’s resolutions stick.

• Start small. Break those big resolutions into small, achievable goals. Instead of cutting chocolate out of your diet for good, vow to only have it a few times a week. Or trade two sodas for one soda and a glass of water.
• Take it one step at a time. Trying to change too many habits at once can easily lead to frustration. Instead of a New Year’s resolution, make a new month resolution. Focus on that one change for the month, and add another (small) change when the new month rolls around.
• Choose a fitness center that focuses on a holistic approach to health. When it comes to adding healthy behaviors, like increasing physical activity, it’s important to find a fitness center that keeps you motivated. Before committing to a membership, take a tour of local gyms to find the best fit for you. Your fitness center should not be just a gym, but a community organization that offers more health, more hope and more opportunity.
• Talk it out. It’s easier to stick to your resolutions if you have a partner or friend working toward similar goals. Team up with someone to set your 2017 goals and help each other establish a game plan dedicated to achieving them. Set specific check-ins to help each other out of slumps and to cheer each other during the high points.

To learn about the Y’s free aquatics and sports & play classes being offered December 27-28, visit: www.ymca-bc.org/RFFreeClasses (December 27) and www.ymca-bc.org/MLFreeClasses (December 28). Join the Y before January 31, 2017 and pay no joiner fee with a $20.17 gift to the Y’s Annual Campaign! Visit ymca-bc.org/jointoday.

About the Y

The YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties is a cause-driven, community based, charitable organization that strengthens community by building healthy, confident, connected and secure children, adults and families. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y nurtures the potential of every youth and teen, improves the community's health and well-being and provides opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Throughout neighborhoods across the two counties and its 70+ sites, the Y makes accessible the support and opportunities that empower more than 37,500 people each year to learn, grow and thrive. Visit ymca-bc.org.