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Jason is the founder of Ignite Student Ministries, a dynamic ministry igniting youth, young adults and university students to passionately pursue Christ and transform society in high schools, work places and universities around the world.

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10 Ways to Keep Your Resolutions (or Goals)

Jason VanaJason Vana
Background Photo Credit: mezone via photopin cc

Background Photo Credit: mezone via photopin cc

Most of us have some kind of resolution for 2014. Even those of us who are too sophisticated for resolutions (read: me), have a list of goals or theme we’re trying to achieve this year.

The new year is a great time for setting new goals.

Too bad most new year’s resolutions and goals are never met.

The University of Scranton Journal of Clinical Psychology reports that of all resolutions made each each, only 39% of people in their twenties and 14% of people in their fifties or above will actually achieve those resolutions.

That means roughly 60–85% of new years resolutions and goals don’t ever amount to anything.

There is a way to beat the odds.

Here are 10 tips to help you can keep your resolutions or goals this year:

  1. Make small changes over time. Most resolutions fail because we jump head-first into a massive lifestyle change we can’t maintain. Small changes are easier to make. You have all year. It doesn’t have to be accomplished in the first week.
  1. Make it a habit. Do something consistently for 40 days, and it becomes a habit hard to break. It’s also the number of breakthrough in scripture. Plan to be consistent with your change for 40 days, and see what happens.
  1. Be accountable. Find the person who won’t be afraid to ask you how you’re doing with the goal, and will smack you around if you’re slacking.
  1. Find a partner. Better yet, find someone to work towards the goal together. It’s a lot harder to slack when someone else is expecting you to show up.
  1. Write it down. Seriously. Pull out a piece of paper and a pen and write down your goal. You are statistically more likely to achieve it than if you keep it in your head.
  1. Schedule it. Don’t just say you want to work out or write more this year. Put it into your schedule. Block out the time. And don’t let anything steal that time.
  1. Create an end image. How will your life be different if you actually achieve that goal? Find an image that represents the end result and put it everywhere. It may just be the motivation you need to keep going.
  1. Put up reminders. Take it a step further and put reminders up around your house. For instance, I’m consistently asking myself if a food choice is healthy. You know what helps? Having a notecard on my fridge with the question: is it healthy? Stupid card smacks me across the face when I’m looking for junk food.
  1. Set up a reward system. You know what helps you keep pursuing a goal? Rewards. Not just the end reward, but little rewards along the way. Go a week without skipping a workout? Reward yourself (in a healthy way). Crank out 500 words a day? Go buy that new notebook you’ve had your eye on. Rewards help.
  1. Pray about it. Prayer works, so why not pray that God helps you keep to your resolutions and goals?

Question: What are some other tips to keeping your resolutions or goals?

Jason is the founder of Ignite Student Ministries, a dynamic ministry igniting youth, young adults and university students to passionately pursue Christ and transform society in high schools, work places and universities around the world.