Be Smart with New Year Resolutions

By JACKIE GLUCK (BRAUN), MS, RDN POPULATION HEALTH MANAGER

Most of us start the new year with the best intentions to become a healthier person. Unfortunately, studies show that less than half of Americans who set a New Year’s resolution achieve it by the end of the year. Why do most resolutions fail? Some of the main reasons for not accomplishing goals include setting unrealistic expectations, lack of support or accountability, and losing motivation.

The key to success is to set SMART goals to help focus your efforts and increase the chances of achieving your goals.

Specific:

The first step is to be as clear and concise as possible when setting goals. “Be more active” is a good start, but it is too general to know if it is accomplished. “Walk every day on my lunch break” is a specific goal.

Measurable:

If you measure your progress, you can hold yourself accountable and know if you are succeeding. Set a quantifiable number that will indicate if you have met your goal. Changing the goal above to “Walk every day for 15 minutes on my lunch break” makes this a measurable goal.

Attainable/Achievable:

Be realistic. Aim for something challenging, but not impossible. Long-term behavior change is more likely to occur if you start small. Make sure you have the tools, information, and resources you need to achieve your goal. Is there a safe space to walk during your lunch break or will you need a gym membership? Limit the number of resolutions you set for this year. Too many goals can make it overwhelming and you may not reach any.

Relevant:

What is important to you? Is this resolution a priority to you? Is this important to your overall life goals? Ask yourself these questions, and answer honestly.

Timely:

Indicate a target finish date. You don’t have to wait until the end of the year to check in on the progress of your goals. You could work on something for a week, a month, six months, or the whole year.

Examples of SMART goals:

• Consume at least two vegetables daily, five days a week.

• Exercise for 30 minutes three times each week.

• Drink 64 oz. of water daily.

• Eat out no more than two times per week.

• Limit soda or juice to no more than