6 Easy Ways To Start Your New Year's Resolutions Early

2024 is almost here, and if you’ve been thinking about New Year's resolutions know you aren’t alone. Do you plan on making 2024 about achieving your goals? You probably have a better chance of succeeding if you start now—or at least make plans to get ahead so you can hit the ground running. Making small efforts now will reap big rewards in the future. Here are six ways to start your New Year's resolutions early.

Find Your Why

Abbey Sangmeister, therapist and burnout coach says you can start your resolutions at any time as long as you figure out your intention. “What is your why to having this resolution? Tie a strong emotion to it, along with visualizing how you will feel on the journey and when you reach the very specific, achievable goal.” 

Set Achievable Goals

Once you figure out your why, make sure your resolution is actually achievable. “Make the goal achievable so you will stick with it,” says Sangmeister. For example, losing 30 pounds in 30 days probably isn’t achievable for most people. But getting out and doing some sort of movement every day is.

Start Slowly Now To Create Consistent Habits

Don’t try to change everything about your life all at once. Therapist Hollie Swire tells me starting slow is a more sustainable approach. After all, it’s hard to go full force during the holiday season. “Folks most often have success beginning slowly and creating consistent habits,” she says. “Giving yourself grace and compassion when trying to make changes will help you to have more self-confidence. I like to remind myself that small changes matter as well.”

Turn Your Weakness Into Strengths

Turning your weaknesses into strengths is especially important for fitness goals. For example, if you’re trying to run a marathon, it’s crucial to strengthen your muscles to help you become the runner you want to be. “Weight training should be at least three times a week, focusing on improving key areas like glutes and hamstrings and your core and back. When you’re getting started, it’s important to understand your weaknesses and prioritize turning those into strengths,” says  Louis Chandler, Alo Moves Instructor and Alo Wellness Club Trainer. 

Take Advantage of Sales Now

If your resolution requires purchasing some sort of equipment, buy those things now and save some cash. This is especially true if your resolution is to make more home-cooked meals. Carrie Rose, certified life coach and founder of SunUp Coaching LLC tells me, “This is the time of year when all sorts of kitchen gadgets go on sale, so buy something that will simplify your 2024 cooking resolution. Think crock pot, air fryer, blender, you name it.”

Get Some Outside Help

There's no shame in asking for help no matter what you're resolving to do. Rose suggests hiring a life coach to help you make a plan. “A life coach is an outside, objective support who can help you strategize your goals and hold you accountable. You could take the remainder of 2023 to work with a life coach and make intentional, sustainable resolutions for 2024.”

Depending on your goal, there’s all sorts of outside help available. For example, if your resolution is to stop or cut down on drinking alcohol, look into a therapist or find a local support group. Is your goal to keep a tidier home? Book a professional organizer. Remember, it can be hard for most people to make changes on their own.