Popular New Year’s Resolutions
As the ball drops in New York City’s Time Square to mark the beginning of 2016, just under half of all Americans will mark the occasion by making New Year’s Resolutions.
New Year’s resolutions can be extremely difficult to sustain. In fact, the Washington Post revealed data that showed “25% of us don't stick with it for seven measly days.”
Nielsen, the prestigious American global information and measurement company, presented enlightening information on the most popular New Year’s Resolutions in the United States.
The top 10 New Year’s resolutions for last year will almost certainly mirror the upcoming 2016 New Year’s resolutions, which were:
1. Stay fit and healthy 37%
2. Lose weight 32%
3. Enjoy life to the fullest 28%
4. Spend less, save more 25%
5. Spend more time with family and friends 19%
6. Get organized 18%
7. Will not make any resolutions 16%
8. Learn something new/new hobby 14%
9. Travel more 14%
10. Read more 12%
With weight and health topping the majority of New Year’s Resolution lists, this survey found the “top five low-calorie foods by folks committed to a new year of resolving to eat are:
1. Fresh fruit 73%
2. Raw vegetables 50%
3. Popcorn 40%
4. Snack bars 31%
5. Diet shakes 19%
New Year’s Resolutions for Success
There is no surprise with these traditional top New Year’s promises. But what may create a new perspective are the New Year’s Resolutions for 2016 of “highly successful” individuals.
According to a financial website, successful people think bigger, better and more specific. Check out these nine New Year's resolutions successful people plan to make this coming year to make 2016 a winning year.
1. Master a New Skill
Successful people willingly open themselves up to innovation and new opportunities. Mastering a new skill inspires other areas of life. For example, Mark Zuckerberg, CEO and co-founder of Facebook, has set key objectives including learning Mandarin and reading a new book every other week.
2. Family Time
You might believe in the stereotypical profile of highly successful people who are workaholics who get no sleep and never have time for their family and friends. However, the most efficient people realize that having a work-life balance is important. So every new year, this select group of prosperous folks resolves to spend more time with family year.
3. Be Specific
Anyone can make a New Year’s Resolution. The difference with highly effective individuals is that their New Year Resolutions are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely. (SMART).
For example instead of simply setting a goal, such as to lose 15 pounds during 2016, successful people are more specific with a plan of action. In this instance, their New Year’s Resolution may be to “lose 15 pounds in 2016 by eating out only three times a week, going to the gym four times a week and eating 50% less carbs each week.” You can see the enormous difference in setting a detailed New Year’s resolution with concise goals.
4. Get Organized
Working and living in an uncluttered, organized environment can help foster productivity and enhance mental clarity and it continues to be one of the top five New Year’s Resolutions of these model business executives.
5. Look Inward
Caring too much about what others think can hinder your progress and hold you back from success. Victorious people focus on their own progress toward their New Year’s Resolution and not what others think of them.
6. Breathe
This New Year’s Resolution focuses on identifying time to rejuvenate in order to increase productivity and creativity. It applies not only to professionals in the workplace, but to stay-at-home moms and part-time employees.
7. Time Management
Make the most of each day by maximizing each minute of your productivity in a certain time frame, and then let go and relax.
8. Find a Mentor
Successful people know accomplishing any New Year’s Resolution will not happen alone. Having the support of others helps people go from good to great.
9. Focus on Overall Health
Nearly everyone wants to lose weight after the holidays. But successful people realize that it is not only about shedding pounds, but also about managing your health, inside and out. Successful people focus on a balanced approach to health and wellness, working on inner happiness and physical strength.
The new year is a great time to set goals and start fresh. Using these tips in planning your New Year’s Resolutions will allow you to set yourself up for a successful 2016.
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1. http://www.statisticbrain.com/new-years-resolution-statistics/
3. http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/news/2015/2015s-top-new-years-resolution-fitness.html
3. http://www.gobankingrates.com/personal-finance/9-new-years-resolutions-successful-people-make-year/