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7 Ways to Make New

Year’s Resolutions That

Stick

by Maria Gracia Updated December 6, 2024 Join our newsletter to be notified when new content is added to our website. New Year’s resolutions often start with excitement but tend to fade by February. Let’s change that! Here are 7 fun and detailed ways to stick with your resolutions and make real progress this year. 1. Break It Down to Bite-Sized Goals:  An entire year can feel overwhelming, so let’s tackle it in smaller chunks. Instead of one massive resolution, make mini monthly ones. Want to declutter your home? Start with January’s goal of tackling one closet. February could focus on organizing the pantry. By breaking it up, you’ll stay motivated and see quicker results. Plus, if life throws you a curveball, you can shift unfinished goals to the next month without beating yourself up. Fresh starts every month—what’s not to love? 2. Focus on What Matters Most: The “New Year, New You” energy can make you want to fix everything at once. Instead, grab a notebook and make a “Master Goals List.” Write down all your dreams for the year, then pick one or two to focus on each month. For example, January could be about drinking more water and spending Sundays meal prepping. February might be all about better sleep habits. By keeping it simple and focused, you’ll avoid burnout and feel accomplished as you tick off your goals. 3. Use the S-M-A-R-T Approach to Resolutions: Vague goals don’t stick. Make yours SMART: o Specific: Instead of saying, “I’ll spend more time with family,” try “Every Sunday evening, I’ll plan a family dinner or activity.” o Measurable: Numbers make progress clearer. Saving money? Decide on $20 a week, and track it in a fun app or on a cute calendar. o Attainable: Big dreams are great, but don’t overwhelm yourself. Want to organize your photos? Start with one album or folder at a time. o Realistic: Want to read 50 books this year but barely finished 5 last year? Adjust to something doable, like one book per month. o Timely: Deadlines work wonders. Instead of saying, “Someday I’ll clean out the garage,” say, “By April 30th, the garage will be sorted and ready for spring.” 4. Share Your Resolutions with Others: There’s nothing like a little positive peer pressure to keep you on track. Tell someone about your resolutions—your best friend, partner, or a coworker. Want to up the ante? Post your goal on social media or join an accountability group online. Having cheerleaders in your corner makes sticking to your plan feel more fun. Plus, talking about your progress can inspire others to set their own goals. 5. Turn Your Goals into Eye Candy: Visual reminders are your best friend. If your goal is to finally take that dream vacation, pin a picture of your destination to your fridge or vision board. Saving for a new gadget? Make it your phone wallpaper. Want to drink more water? Use a cute water bottle that makes you smile every time you see it. Seeing your goals daily keeps them front and center—right where they belong. 6. Setbacks? No Biggie—Reset Anytime: Life happens, and sometimes you’ll fall off track. Skipped a week of meal prepping or forgot about your goal to declutter your car? No worries. Start fresh today. You don’t need to wait for Monday or the first of the month to get back on track. Treat any day as DAY ONE and move forward. Think of it as a dance—you’re allowed to stumble as long as you keep stepping forward. Remember Churchill’s wise words: “Never, never, never give up.” 7. Celebrate Every Little Win: Resolutions don’t have to be all hard work—make sure you’re having fun along the way. Hit a mini milestone? Treat yourself! If your goal is to save $100 a month and you succeed, reward yourself with a cozy night in with your favorite movie. Decluttered your kitchen? Celebrate with a coffee break in your clutter-free space. Recognizing your progress keeps you motivated and reminds you that the journey is just as important as the destination. With these strategies, your resolutions won’t just survive February—they’ll thrive all year long. You’re ready to make this your most accomplished year yet! Back to Organized Holidays Index