9 Common New Year's Resolutions That We Break And How To Achieve Them

If you haven’t been living under a rock, chances are that you’ve made New Year’s resolutions before! It’s unfortunate to see how they’re initially made with such fervour but start to fizzle out as the year progresses. In fact, less than 10% of people succeed with their New Year’s resolutions. To help you accomplish these personal goals, we’ve compiled a list of common New Year’s resolutions and what it takes to achieve them!

Why Do We Break These New Year’s Resolutions And Tips For Achieving Them

1. I will get in shape and start exercising

[caption id="attachment_21997" align="aligncenter" width="640"] (Credit: Fotorech / Pixabay)[/caption] While it’s one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions, getting in shape is not easy. It’s easy enough to sign up for a gym membership, have a bowl of salad or go for a short run but the true struggle lies in maintaining this lifestyle for an extended time period. It’s also why gyms are packed during the first week of January but taper out as the month ends. To help you along, check out our easy home workout routine if you’re trying to squeeze in a 15 minute exercise session! Also, if you’re constantly on social media, follow these local fitness influencers so you can stay inspired and determined!

2. I will start having a healthier diet

[caption id="attachment_21995" align="aligncenter" width="640"] (Credit: Free-Photos / Pixabay)[/caption] Eating clean is socially and financially difficult. High cholesterol and diabetes are common health issues when Singapore is a foodie’s paradise. Moreover, it doesn’t help that we’re encouraged to eat unhealthily; ordering a healthy bowl of stew costs twice as much as a hearty plate of chicken rice or a fast food meal. While it can be inconvenient, start upholding such New Year’s resolutions by preparing your own meals! Not only are they much healthier, you’ll also gain a sense of satisfaction from tasting your finished product. Also, it takes a conscious effort for you to wean yourself off chips and soda. Try gradually reducing the sugar and salt content so the change isn’t too abrupt! For more healthy recipes, check out our air fryer recipe guide if you’re looking for healthier alternatives to conventional deep frying.

3. I will spend more quality time with loved ones

[caption id="attachment_21994" align="aligncenter" width="640"] (Credit: Kevin Dooley / Flickr)[/caption] Time spent with family is a rarity nowadays, especially as numerous leisure options fight for our attention and seem much more appealing. This is made worse by work that spills over into free time. Add to that differing interests and it becomes a lot more difficult to spend quality time with loved ones leading to people breaking such New Year’s resolutions. While there’s nothing wrong with having some me time, it’s also important to show emotional and physical support for your loved ones. Instead of hiding behind screens, head outside with them or do things together that promise meaningful interactions!

4. I will watch my spending habits

[caption id="attachment_21993" align="aligncenter" width="640"] (Credit: QuinceMedia / Pixabay)[/caption] With the convenience of online shopping, it’s hard to ignore the allure of treating yourself and buying things on sale. We often hear tales of friends racking up bills and spending beyond their means because of retail therapy. While there’s nothing wrong with buying what you need, it’s not financially wise to have your salary enter and exit your bank account within a week. Keeping to such finance-related New Year’s resolutions can be tough so start watching your spending today by saving where possible. Browse through our guide to saving money on transport so you can save more on your daily commute or learn about the best money changers so you’ll have more to spend overseas!

5. I will get more sleep and be less sleep-deprived

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bj4xHPknEwx/?igshid=3hfq7e8w92o0&utm_source=fb_www_attr Quality sleep is a luxury nowadays, especially as poor time management causes assignments, meetings and stress to pile up. It’s no wonder why most of us break such New Year’s resolutions by sacrificing rest to get that extra bit of work done or deal with the stress by browsing social media. This often leaves us feeling regretful and fatigued, only to have the cycle repeat itself the very next day. Break the chain of sleep deprivation by doing something about it today and stay firm about the rest your body needs! Develop good sleeping habits by putting away screens from your bedside and keeping a constant sleep routine so your body gets used to these positive changes.

6. I will learn to better manage stress

[caption id="attachment_21996" align="aligncenter" width="427"] (Credit: Pexels / Pixabay)[/caption] Stress is an inescapable part of living in Singapore as we struggle to keep up with how hectic modern lifestyles can be. Unfortunately, stress mismanagement can be unhealthy as your mental well-being and relationships take a toll. The inability to cope with it is a major reason why emotional breakdowns and social withdrawal happen. Everyone deals with stress differently but it’s important that your method helps you to actively feel better and not create even more problems. Healthy solutions include sharing with loved ones, exercising or listening to relaxing music. If you need recommendations, here’s a relaxing music playlist that’s bound to whittle away the stress.

7. I will manage my coffee drinking habit

[caption id="attachment_21990" align="aligncenter" width="640"] (Credit: Christoph / Pixabay)[/caption] With all the discussion on how caffeine causes dependence, it’s surprising how many of us drink coffee religiously, sometimes grabbing more than five cups daily. Although it’s stated to improve work productivity and our metabolism, problems occur during overindulgence. These include restlessness, insomnia and irritability. If you’re sick of the throbbing headaches and trembling hands, it’s probably time to kick the coffee habit. You can achieve this by trying alternatives like tea so you can get your daily fix without cutting out coffee entirely. Also, there’s a high correlation between stress and coffee consumption so try to deal with the stress healthily instead of diving for your next cup.

8. I will pick up a new hobby

[caption id="attachment_21991" align="aligncenter" width="960"] (Credit: Evolve MMA / Facebook)[/caption] You’ll often hear people make New Year’s resolutions that include plans like learning cooking or taking language classes. Yet, you’ll also hear the same people struggle to get started on their new hobby because of procrastination or fatigue from  daily commitments. Unfortunately, this results in us breaking our New Year’s resolutions and repeating our usual routines. Spice things up by joining classes or picking up a new hobby! Besides giving you something to look forward to, hobbies are great because they offer a creative outlet and give you a sense of achievement no task at school or work can. If you’re really finding it hard to motivate yourself, invite a friend along to keep you accountable and provide company. So take up that painting class or learn a martial art today!

9. I will keep a journal

[caption id="attachment_21992" align="aligncenter" width="640"] (Credit: Cinder Snider Re / Flickr)[/caption] We spend so much time and effort dealing with the things life throws at us without actually taking a break and reflecting. From deadlines to chores, days simply zoom by if we don’t take time for self reflection and examine where we are in life. It’s often why New Year’s resolutions like starting a journal are often broken as we see it as yet another thing-to-do than an avenue for self reflection. Regardless of how far you are into the year, it isn’t too late to start bullet journaling to keep to your New Year’s resolutions! Here’s a handy introduction if you’re looking for somewhere to begin! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fm15cmYU0IM   With this newfound knowledge, we’re confident you’ll be finding it easier to head out there and not forget about your commitment to your New Year’s resolutions! So start making those personal improvements today!

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