Tips to Make Your New Year’s Resolution Stick

By Thao Le, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

With every new year comes new resolutions. Whether it’s getting in shape, traveling more, or quitting smoking, every new year gives us an opportunity to turn the page and start fresh. While coming up with a New Year’s resolution can be difficult, it can sometimes be just as difficult to maintain the resolution over a period of time. This is known as a New Year’s resolution “slump,” and according to a 2022 study by Planet Fitness, it takes an individual a mere average of 41 days to give up on their resolution. Fortunately, there are tips to help make sure your resolution sticks:

• Set “SMART” goals
• Stick to just picking one goal to prevent feeling overwhelmed
• Write out a detailed plan
• Stay motivated by tracking progress
• Don’t be afraid to ask for support from friends and family
• Give habits time to make them stick
• Reward yourself

In the United States, improving well-being is the most popular New Year’s resolution for the year 2025, while improving fitness was the most popular resolution the year 2024. Whatever your goal may be – make it happen and let’s start off the new year with a bang!