How to Make and Keep Your New Year's Resolutions

How to Make and Keep Your New Year's Resolutions

Posted on 04 Jan 2023 in Health

With the New Year finally upon us, we’re offered a fresh opportunity to reflect on steps we can take for self-improvement. As we get older, these commitments (or resolutions, as most people call them) take on a very different tone.

For younger folks, it may be as simple as working on their beach body for the summer or improving their grades at school. But for seniors, New Years’ Resolutions can help you focus on keeping and improving your health, quality of life, and even emotional well-being.

Making the conscious choice to actively improve yourself is the first and arguably most important step you can take when thinking about a resolution. Consider what changes you can make in your life that will measurably improve it, and then create a strategy around how you’re going to reach your goal.

Key Components of Effective New Year's Resolutions

There are some general rules for making a resolution. The first thing to consider is setting a goal worth keeping -- in other words, think big! While there’s nothing wrong with making easily attainable goals, like tidying up or expanding your garden, the New Year really gives us an opportunity to be ambitious with our goals.

The benefit of thinking big is that it can really help develop a support network of people who invest themselves in your success. People get excited about accomplishing something exciting. This year, think about the goals you’ve been putting off because they seem intimidating. Maybe it’s learning a new instrument, finishing a classic novel, or learning to knit—whatever it is, make sure it’s something you’d be proud to achieve.

For seniors, resolutions have the added benefit of giving you something to enhance your well-being and quality of life. Making a commitment to eating healthier or pursuing exercise can ensure you remain healthy, mobile, and independent for a long time. The first step towards these goals can begin with this New Year. Just make sure to always consult with your doctor before making any sudden dietary or fitness changes!

And to help achieve these ambitious goals centered around life improvement, it’s a good idea to break them into bite size chunks, so you’re not overwhelmed by the scale of your task. Finishing a 1000-piece puzzle starts with placing the first one, so take time to identify your first few pieces before launching into it.

Resolutions for Your Body, Mind and Mood