2020 has been a year of change and adaptation to a new normal for all of us. However, there is one tradition that – hopefully – will stay constant: New Year’s Resolutions.

For those who are unfamiliar with the concept, a New Year’s Resolution is a practice in which an individual resolves to continue good practices, change an undesired trait or behavior, accomplish a personal goal or otherwise improve their life in some way.

But, we all know how New Year’s Resolutions go. On January 1, we are excited about our new and improved lifestyle. Nothing can stop us! But by about two weeks later, we start getting lazy and cutting corners. By February 1, it’s like the New Year’s Resolution never even existed.

Evidence supports this notion as well. In a 2007 study by Richard Wiseman from the University of Bristol involving about 3,000 participants, 88 percent of those who set New Year’s Resolutions failed to accomplish them. This is despite the fact that 52 percent of the participants in the study were “confident” of success before the study commenced.

So, only one question remains. How do we keep our New Year’s Resolutions alive?! Well, we at the Evergreen Online have the answers and secrets for you. Below we have listed a few examples of common New Year’s Resolutions and actionable ways to ensure success:

1. Drink More Water

We are made up of about 60 percent water. So, it’s pretty much a widely known fact that we need water to survive. According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, the recommended average daily fluid intake is about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) for men and 11.5 cups (2.7) liters for women. But the reality is that most of us are simply not drinking enough water.

We recommend buying an “enticing” water bottle – something fun that you are excited to drink from. We recommend a bottle with tiny goals along the way. So even though you may have to refill the bottle a couple of times a day, it will be beneficial towards the ultimate goal of drinking more water!

Uncommon Goods Drink More Water Bottle (left)

Bando Work it Out Water Bottle 

2. Exercise More

Staying fit is one of the most common resolutions in the United States, but it is also paired with a very low success rate. The reason behind this disparity is the lack of organization. Individuals fail to stick to a schedule and end up dropping their resolution due to lack of effort or interest.

Find ways to move your body that not only bring you joy but also serve as activities you look forward to every day. It might vary from certain weight training exercises to cardio exercises such as runs or playing sports.

Create a plan, and stick to that plan. The plan cannot merely be in your mind. Write it down or use an online calendar/alarm of some sort to stay organized with your workout plan. This way the resolution feels real, tangible and achievable!

The Best At-Home Workouts to Help You Stay Healthy and Fit, According to Personal Trainers

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3. Journaling

The art of journaling is quite difficult. The difficulty doesn’t necessarily stem from the journaling itself, but instead, it comes from trying to keep a regular journaling schedule.

Sometimes we simply don’t have enough time to write a full two pages of emotions about our day. So, we have a couple of ways to make your journaling experience less hectic:

Journal One Line a Day (below, left)

Ever felt too lazy to write paragraphs and paragraphs about your day or week? Well, we have the perfect solution for you. This journal requires minimal effort.

The One Line a Day journal allows you to capture your thoughts from the day in brief bursts. It’s easy to reflect on a few targeted areas of interest as well as establish the rhythm of journaling that many lose after a while.

1 Second Everyday (below, right)

For our more technologically savvy individuals, we have another method of journaling for you.

This is an application called 1 Second Everyday. It allows the user to record one second of video every day of a given year and then it chronologically edits them together into a single film. And it’s compatible with both iOS and Android devices.

Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor for your 2021 resolutions!