“New Year, new me.” How many times have we heard this sentence uttered by friends and family, and even ourselves? While the New Year inspires many to start over and change for the better, the challenge lies in sticking to those changes. A lot of us are going to fall of the bandwagon in a week or two, sinking back into regular (not bad) habits that we’ve grown accustomed to. Therein lies the problem. How does one stay committed? Angela Lee Duckworth explained in her TED Talk that it requires grit to stay focused and committed to the positive changes we decide to make in our lives. So today, let’s take a closer look at how to stick to those New Year’s resolutions and change your life. For real this time.
On Committing to Change
Filmmaker and podcast host Matt D’Avella, whose YouTube channel earned a following for his minimalist videos and life advice, recommends three tips on how to how to stick to those New Year’s resolutions and change your life. He said that first, you should be more specific with your goals to help you stay committed. Say you want to read more books. That would be a general New Year’s resolution that would seem very vague. Get specific instead and commit to reading one book per week or 10 days. It’s clearer, more specific, and more attainable. As with change, always start small. Take baby steps and progress to larger, bigger goals. It’s always the first steps that are more difficult, which is why you must go easy on yourself and commit to things that you can do, so you would actually do it.
Useful Tools to Help You Create Better Habits
Matt D’Avella’s next tip would be to get a pen and paper or journal and jot down goals and habits that you want to achieve this year. It’s good to be able to record your thoughts and any objectives that you think would contribute to you changing your life for the better this year. It also helps to keep things organized at home. Keeping healthier foods more accessible will help you to more likely choose these healthy foods over junk food. As you learn how to stick to those New Year’s resolutions and change your life, you’ll also find that there are two words that will help you commit to better habits. According to “The Motivation Myth” author Jeff Haden, the language that we use to speak to ourselves also matters in how we stay committed to change. Saying “I don’t miss my workouts” indicates a higher conviction rather than “I can’t miss my workouts.” A study
In the journey to finding out how to how to stick to those New Year’s resolutions and change your life, you’ll find that organization is key. That’s why we’ve come up with a list of items that will help you create better, healthier habits this year.
1. Kate Spade New York Sticky Note Set, On Point
Sticky notes are a great way to leave reminders around the house or wherever you need them. Whether it’s for reminders, motivational quotes, love notes, or any message, these Kate Spade New York sticky notes will make sure that you get your message across! Comes in a quaint design that has pencil shavings on it and a whimsical script. Shop at Macy’s.
2. Sharpie 45-count Permanent Markers Fine/Ultra Fine Tip
Pair those sticky notes with some Sharpie permanent markers that come in different colors! This collector’s edition of 45 Sharpie permanent markers includes 25 fine tip and 20 ultra-fine tip markers in an assortment of 25 vivid original colors and 20 cosmically inspired colors. It lets you get creative while you get organized. Color code everything from your journals to your to-do lists and grocery lists. Available at Target.
3. Ashley Mary Celestial 2019 12-Month Planner
Get inspired by Minneapolis studio, artist, designer, and illustrator Ashley Mary with this gorgeous planner that’s exclusive to Anthropologie. It features a shimmering metallic motif and well-organized pages that will make it a breeze to get organized yourself. It also features designs by Mary herself, all inspired by vintage treasures, interior design, and the natural world’s gentle beauty. Shop at Anthropologie.
4. Paper Source Waste Not Paper Do It Year-self 2019 Desk Calendar in Critters
Ever wonder what happens to old calendars? They most probably end up in the trash bins. Waste no more with this amazing desk calendar that can be transformed into a note card, postcard, or framed display once the months go by. It’s a beautiful little treasure that you can upcycle and reuse as gifts. Shop at Modcloth.
5. Vera Bradley Mallory RFID Passport Wallet in Sycamore Black
If you’re a frequent traveler, you’ll appreciate having this passport wallet with you. With a sleek black design with a quote in gold print that reads “Let’s go places!”, this charming piece provides protection for your passport, cards, and cash. It’s made of lightweight full-grain leather and provides RFID protection for passports, credit and debit cards. Also includes an exterior zip pocket and interior ID window, five card slips, a passport pocket, and a pin snap closure. Available at Vera Bradley.
6. Seletti Still Alive Desk Organizer Set
This year, organize your workspace while adding a touch of modern art with this unique set from Seletti. Appropriately titled “Still Alive,” this art piece features various tasteful pieces to to store office supplies. It features different shapes, materials, and colors that make up a dimensional organizational set. It also features a mixture of brass, glass, and wooden finishes that are truly eye-catching. Shop at 2MODERN.
7. Amazon Echo Plus (2nd Generation)
If you’re all about technology, you might want to invest in a smart assistant that lets you play music, make calls, and learn information, all hands-free. The Amazon Echo Plus features premium speakers and a built-in Zigbee smart home hub and temperature sensor. With the Echo around, you’ll be able to multitask better, get organized, and accomplish more. Available at Target.
8. Fitbit Charge 3 Unisex Blue-Gray Elastomer Band Touchscreen Smart Watch
This New Year, track your fitness goals with the Fitbit Charge 3, a swim proof watch that utilizes 24/7 heart rate to track calorie burn, optimize workouts, improve sleep, and shows you health trends that keep you on track to developing better habits. It is water resistant up to 50 meters nad can track heart rate, calorie burn,a and more than 15 exercises. Track the quality of your sleep to find out how to improve and exercises so you know what works for you. Shop at Macy’s.
9. GreenCo Greenco 6 Piece Refrigerator And Freezer Stackable Clear Storage Organizer Bins With Handles
Keep healthy food more accessible with this refrigerator organizer. It helps you see the contents of your refrigerator easier and keeps the overall look of your fridge neat and tidy. Made of durable BPA-free material. Shop at Walmart.
10. Rubbermaid Premier Food Storage Containers with Easy Find Lids, 16-Piece Set
Weekly food prep has never been this easy with Rubbermaid’s set of shatterproof, stain-resistant, BPA-free food containers that are safe for microwaves, dishwashers, and freezers. It features snap lids that are easy to attach and remove and a dome shape for optimal storage capacity. Available at Walmart.
Want to get even more inspiration for your New Year’s resolutions? Check out the links below!
Adriana Lima’s Workout Essentials
Zac Efron’s Favorite Workout Essentials
Items to Refresh Your Home for the New Year
Update your Life this New Year
Just a disclaimer – We have partnered with these companies because we use their products and/or proudly trust and endorse them – so we do receive a commission if you make a purchase or sign up for services. Often, we are able to negotiate special discounts and/or bonuses, which we will pass on to you via our links. We often get short notice on sale items available for 24-48 hours as we will pass these savings onto you.
