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New year, new you? How to make those resolutions stick in 2024

The average New Year's resolution lasts less than four months.

CLEVELAND — A new year opens the opportunity for new beginnings. As 2024 kicks off, you might be like the millions of other Americans who are setting New Year's resolutions. But if you have ever set one, you know they can be hard to stick with. According to Forbes, the average New Year's resolution last shorter than four months. 

The problem that most people make, according to experts, is setting too high of expectations and not being specific enough. 

For example, if you want to have better finances, make a goal to save $10 a day. Or if your goal is to get into better shape, set your goal to walk 20 minutes a day. 

Get specific and make it daily until you have developed a streak. 

According to Susan Albers, Clinical Psychologist with the Cleveland Clinic, "Change is not like a light switch. It is a process," she said. "Our brains love to know the direction that we are going. So instead of saying, 'I want to exercise more,' make a specific goal such as 20 minutes of walking a day, this is going to make you much more successful in completing this goal."

Albers says that linking two behaviors can help you achieve your goals. She said, "For example, if you drink coffee every morning, but you want to start exercising, link the exercise to drinking the coffee. Have it be the very next behavior that you do."

Top resolutions this year: 

  • Improved Fitness – 48% 
  • Improved Finances 38% 
  • Improved mental health 36% 
  • Weight Loss 34% improved diet 32% 

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