As the new year kicks off, teenagers across Arrowhead are making resolutions to improve themselves. However, staying true to your resolutions is easier said than done. According to a survey reported by The Atlantic, less than 10% of participants keep their resolutions. Here are some tips to help you keep your resolutions throughout 2026 and put you in the top percent.
1.Get a buddy/support – It is hard to take on big tasks alone. Having a friend with the same goal as you will increase your chances of enjoying yourself when accomplishing resolutions and decrease your chances of giving up if you have a support system. Additionally, history has proven that humans mirror the behaviors of those close to them; therefore, having more people work with you will help you stick to your resolution
2.Create a plan/break it up – Thinking of your resolution can be overwhelming at first, making it easy to push off. However, making weekly or even monthly steps towards your resolutions has been proven to decrease your chances of procrastination. Your resolution should not be a sudden, large change, but rather a small change in your everyday life.
“Weave it into your life,” Mari Ricker, MD, Director of the Integrative Medicine in Residency program at the University of Arizona, said
Small steps might not seem like you are making progress, but they will make a huge difference in a year if you continue to build on these steps.
3.Build in incentives – Small treats along the way are sure to keep you motivated when you seem tired or want to give up. But these incentives should still be positive and related to your resolution. For example, if your goal is to eat out less, schedule yourself a cooking class once a month. That way, you can have a fun experience while staying healthy and true to your goal.
Change does not happen immediately, so it is important to have patience with yourself while holding yourself accountable. Doing these three little things will help ensure you can keep your resolution and become the best version of yourself in 2026.
