Isn’t New Year’s Day magical? Every January 1, we wake up with a glorious feeling that anything is possible! Overnight we have the power to change ourselves and our life. This is the year we finally become the person we’ve always wanted to be. And then…comes January 2. 

I read that 38% of American adults make New Year’s resolutions but only 9% complete them. Forty-three percent of those that make them give up on them by the end of January. Twenty-three percent quit by the end of the first week. I’m not saying which one I am.

In my quest to become a better person, I’ve thoroughly studied the topic of New Year’s resolutions and I’ve come up with a list of tips for keeping them in 2024.

1. 1. 1. 1. Write them down. The simple act of putting your resolutions on paper will make them seem more doable and make you feel more committed to them. Also, if you fail you’ll have your list ready when it comes time to make resolutions next year.
         2. Avoid taking on too much. Don’t try to change everything about yourself all at once, even if your spouse wants you to.
         3. Frame your resolutions in a positive way. For example, instead of saying “I resolve to stop being such a couch potato,” say “I resolve to become a couch asparagus, which has fewer carbohydrates.”
         4. Get a partner. If you’ve decided to get fit, enlist a friend with the same goal. That way you’ll have someone to praise you when you’re doing well, encourage you when you’re not doing so well and go out for ice cream with you when you both give up.
         5. Don’t let setbacks discourage you. If you fall off the wagon, get right back in the saddle! Tomorrow’s another day. Never say die. Then next year you can resolve to stop using clichés.
         6. Keep a journal of your progress. It could look something like this. January 1: I resolve to walk the dog daily. This is going to be so fun! January 2: Spotty and I walked four blocks. We’re bonding and getting fit at the same time! Tomorrow we’ll do five. January 3: Spotty and I walked four blocks again. It’s okay once we’re walking but I hate getting up early. January 4: Spotty and I walked just two blocks today. It’s so cold this time of year. January 5: I forgot to walk Spotty. January 6: Why am I walking Spotty? We got him for the kids. They should walk him.
         7. Celebrate your successes! Lost five pounds? Congratulations! You deserve cake and ice cream. I’m joking! But do celebrate and have a wonderful 2024!