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The New Year is finally here, Roomies! And if you’re looking for inspiration on resolutions, you should kick into high gear; we’ve got you covered!
According to last year’s Forbes Health Survey, Americans entered 2023 with the number one resolution of improving their mental health. However, in 2024, society’s priority seems to have shifted to physical health.
A survey conducted by the platform on 1,000 U.S. adults in October reports that 48% of participants are focused on improving their physical health in 2024. Meanwhile, 36% of participants are prioritizing bettering their mental health.
From there, the number two resolution for Americans is cited as improving their finances. The resolution of enhancing mental health arrives at number three.
Furthermore, losing weight and improving one’s diet round out the list of resolutions Americans are most engaged with this year.
However, there’s also a list of resolutions that Americans are not feeling this year.
They reportedly include performing better at work, drinking less alcohol, traveling more, and improving their work-life balance.
The Forbes Health Survey also revealed that New Year’s resolutions usually last around two to four months. After that, the survey reports that individuals typically forget or give up on their goals.
Additionally, the survey determined that only 5% of Americans continue with their resolutions for six months. Furthermore, only 1% of Americans stick to their goals throughout the entire year.
Dr. Sabrina Romanoff, a clinical psychologist and Forbes Health Advisory member, believes this is because individuals become too focused on “a specific outcome.”
“We often fail in achieving and keeping New Year’s resolutions because they focus on a specific outcome,” Dr. Romanoff told the outlet. “Goals take time, and many folks become discouraged and eventually relent before attaining the goal.”
Instead of becoming hyper-focused on our desired outcomes, Dr. Romanoff believes individuals should link their goals to something more consistent and ever present in their lives — their values.
“Values are never actually achieved; rather, they operate as a compass, constantly informing and guiding our behaviors,” she explained.
Additionally, the psychologist recommends that individuals split their goals up into those that are long-term and short-term.
“Divide your goals between those that can be accomplished either in the long or short term,” Dr. Romanoff added. “creating an action plan that links the long-term goal with the near-term achievable and realistic goals will ensure success.”
Furthermore, the outlet recommends that individuals prepare themselves for any unexpected barriers that may come in the way of their plans. For example, if one’s goal is to work out more, setting proper attire at the beginning of each day can eliminate the hassle of finding clothes minutes before heading to the gym.
Lastly, the outlet encourages individuals to remember to reward themselves for their progress.
“This will shape and reinforce improvement and sustain motivation,” Dr. Romanoff explained. “For example, if you walk 5,000 steps daily in the next month, buy yourself special headphones to use on your walks. If you exercise four days per week for the next three weeks, buy yourself a new workout set you’ve been eyeing.”
Happy New Year’s, Roomies! May 2024 be your best year yet!
