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How To Keep Your New Year's Resolutions

Brought to you by the ABRC at the University of Washington
Seattle, WA
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    Despite the high failure rate of most resolutions, a recent study at the University of Washington found that, upon follow-up, 63% of the people in the study were able to maintain their New Year's resolution two months after declaration.  Many people (67%) made three or more resolutions, and while getting more exercise was the most population goal (37%), many also declared to spend more time at work or study (23%).  Resolutions to increase healthful eating or decrease in unhealthy eating ranked at 13%, followed by the reduction or cessation of harmful habits (such as smoking, drinking, drug use etc.), which came in at 7%.  The study also found that more people chose to start or increase a behavioral change than to stop or decrease in one. 

    So, what is their secret, and why do so many of us fail to reach our New Year's goals?

   For starters, the study found that successful goal keepers found it difficult to achieve their New Year's resolutions on the first try.  Only 40% were able to make a singular successful attempt to stick to their goals without fail; the rest found themselves making multiple attempts to stick to their guns.  The point to take home?  A set-back in your goal need not be an excuse for failure (for more on this, please see our Tips for Success page).  The important determinant to keep your resolutions, according to University of Washington researchers, is persistence.

    This web page was designed by researchers working with G. Alan Marlatt at the University of Washington's Addictive Behaviors Research Center in Seattle, Washington.  Our goal (no pun!) is to provide online access to Dr. Marlatt's work involving success when it comes to making and not breaking New Year's resolutions.  With nearly two decades of research completed, Dr. Marlatt has explored what  resolutions people typically employ, how long they do or do not keep them, and why.  This website offers an inside look into his findings, what cutting edge studies are currently being hosted in the media, as well as a useful tips and how-to page to help you stick to your goals. 

    Also included is the opportunity to take part in a ground-breaking University of Washington study exploring New Year's resolutions of 2003.  Click here for the online questionnaire and find out more. 

While you're here, be sure to stop by David Jenneson's humorous artcile on New Year's Resolutions (here) to kick-start your tour.

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