As we ring in the New Year, many of us ask the question, “What’s my New Year’s resolution?” The majority of resolutions fizzle out by February. This is often not for lack of effort or a lazy attitude, but more because of the way we approach our goal. If you’re serious about making lasting change in 2022, here are 5 tips to make your new year’s resolution a reality.  

1. Start Small

Dream big, but start small. Learning to cook is a popular resolution every year. Holiday foods and busy nights with takeout during the holidays is normal. Desiring to cook a homemade and nutritious meal is a great goal. Also, cooking at home is healthier and more affordable.  

Remember, you have 12 months to make this happen. Don’t pressure yourself to have it mastered in January. Instead, make your resolution bite-sized. Once you’ve mastered a small goal, you’ll gain the confidence and momentum to build on it.

2. Be Specific

Get detailed with your resolution. If you want to cook, what kind of cuisine? Everyday dinners or special occasion dishes? How many dishes do you want to master? 

To do this, visualize yourself experiencing the end goal. Where are you? What does it look like? Feel like? Are others involved? Asking questions help narrow down exactly what you’re aiming for.  

Write down your specific vision and include your why. Why is this so important? When you pinpoint your exact motivation, you’ll be motivated to change. When discouragement or busyness sets in, go back and read your specific vision for encouragement. 

3. Start With One

Now that you’re specific, you may have a few different things you’re hoping to achieve. If learning to cook includes 5 weekly dinners, start with one. Master one dish first and work it into your weekly dinners. Once that first recipe becomes second nature, work on the second and so on.  Working towards small, specific goals, one at a time helps you achieve the big vision you set out to do.

4. Stick to a Plan 

Create a plan for your small, specific, single goal. Going back to our cooking resolution, start with one dinner.  Where do you go from here?  For example, start with scheduling 30 minutes this week to find an inspiring recipe.  Scan the internet or flip through cookbooks in the book store.  Next step, plan your grocery shopping and pick an evening with ample time to cook your first dish.  Schedule each step in, otherwise normal routines and habits will naturally crowd out your time.  When making changes in your routine and habits, be intentional with your time. 

5. Share Your Resolutions 

Let others around you know about your resolutions. They can encourage you when you feel stuck. Doing this can provide a nudge of accountability when you’re letting your goal slide.  Most of all, others can celebrate with you when you achieve it!  

Find a friend or family member who is positive and supportive.  Invite them to share their resolutions with you and support them in return.  And when you’ve mastered that delicious dinner, you’ll know just who to invite and share it with.

New Year’s resolutions start with a lot of enthusiasm but are often forgotten in a few weeks. It doesn’t have to be you. Taking time to think through and plan where you want to be this time next year will go a long way.