Already Failed at Your New Year ’s Resolution? 5 Ways to Restart It

If your New Year’s resolution is already in the rearview mirror, you’re not alone: Research has shown that about 30% of resolution-makers give up on their goal before they even reach the two-week mark. But just because you’ve already slacked on your new diet, exercise plan or organization scheme doesn’t mean you’ll never succeed, says John Norcross, a professor of psychology at the University of Scranton and an expert in behavior change and resolutions. “Early slips do not predict failure,” says Norcross, who also authored the study about resolutions. “In fact, many ultimately successful resolvers report—even as they experience them—that the early slips strengthen their resolutions.” The key to success is coming back from those slips stronger than ever, and course-correcting to get yourself on the right path. Here are five science-backed ways to restart your resolution. Give yourself a reality check Norcross says he often asks faltering resolvers if they experienced failure when learning a new skill, such as an instrument or a sport. The answer, of course, is yes—they fail dozens of times and accept that failure as part of the process. “Only in behavior change is it different,” Norcross says. “In the psychological realm, we expect perfection.” Instead of being frustrated by failure, cut yourself some slack and recognize that changing your behavior is, essentially, learning a new s...
Source: TIME: Health - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Uncategorized 2018 new years resolution behavior change behavior change for good goal setting goal setting tips healthytime Mental Health/Psychology motivation New Year's Resolutions new year’s resolution new years resolution fail Source Type: news