Millions of people from around the world see New Year's as an opportunity to start fresh. New Year's Resolutions have become more popular in previous years, but the success rate for completing them is extremely low. According to Forbes, New Year's Resolutions are only achieved by a slim eight percent of the people who attempt them. Could it be that most people expect too big of a change?
Forbes Magazine Contributor Dan Diamond spoke with an Psychologist a few years ago, known as Lynn Bufka. According to the interview with Bufka, too many people attempt unrealistic achievements.
“Small, attainable goals throughout the year, rather than a singular, overwhelming goal,” explained Bufka. “Remember, it is not the extent of the change, but rather the act of recognizing that lifestyle change is important and working toward it, one step at a time.”
One of the most popular resolutions is weight loss, but many fail because they try to change too much at one time. Experts suggest people take baby steps, such as cutting out certain foods for a specific period of time. They say this would be more successful than attempting to eliminate a food item for life. If a goal is created with a clear destination or ending point, then it’s more likely to be met. Then once one goal is achieved, a more intensified goal can be put in place.
Are you attempting any New Year's Resolutions this year? Have you been successful with them in the past? What types of resolutions have you tried before?
Below are the Top-13 New Years Resolutions according to USA.gov from 2014.
1. Losing Weight
2. Volunteer to Help Others
3. Quit Smoking
4. Get a Better Education
5. Get a Better Job
6. Save Money
7. Get Fit
8. Eat Healthy Food
9. Manage Stress
10. Manage Debt
11. Take a Trip
12. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
13. Drink Less Alcohol
