Experts behind an annual survey on New Year’s resolutions say that the age-old practice of cutting out one of your vices may not be the best way to start off the year.
A study by the Journal of Clinical Psychology says that health and fitness top the list of the most-set resolutions.
Another popular resolution is clearing out the clutter and getting organized.
Leslie McLeod says that 2012 wasn’t the best year for her, but she plans to start it off right. “It’s about having a clean home, a clean mind, and a good sense of well-being.”
According to the study, the most successful resolutions are goals that involve adding something positive that makes you happy rather than taking away something you enjoy or involves extra work.
Melanie Tesser says that those resolutions are more constructive and more positive. “When you take a resolution you try to stop something you like. You try to stop eating chocolate or stop smoking.”
The study says that there is good news and bad news with resolutions – only about eight percent of them are actually accomplished.
People who articulate specific goals or opportunities are, however, ten times more likely to achieve what they want.
The Journal’s top ten most-set resolutions are:
- Lose weight
- Get organized
- Spend less, save more
- Enjoy life to the fullest
- Staying fit and healthy
- Learn something exciting
- Quit smoking
- Help others in their dreams
- Fall in Love
- Spend more time with family
