Want to make your annual resolutions stick? Two in five Americans believe the best strategy is to “start small,” according to a new poll.
The results showed they prefer to make long-term goals rather than short-term ones, with 42% choosing to kick off their goals gradually, rather than jumping in headfirst (18%).
Those who prefer long-term goals do so because they believe they can take their time reaching them (62%), the results are usually bigger and better (57%)—and because they think other people won’t know if they fall off track (56%).
Among the 27% who prefer short-term goals, their reasons include having had more success in reaching them (61%) and seeing results faster (59%).
The easiest goals for respondents to achieve are practicing better hygiene (62%), drinking more water (55%), taking daily vitamins and supplements (49%) and working on flexibility, such as simply being able to touch your toes (41%).
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of The Vitamin Shoppe and Ancient Nutrition, the random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 adults revealed that New Years Day is not necessarily the best moment to kick off your wellness goals.
Although 34% of respondents believe that January is the best month to start a new goal or habit, it is noteworthy that 14% selected February and 12% claim that any month will do.
CHECK OUT: Six Lifestyle Choices to Slow Memory Decline Identified in 10-Year Study of Aging
“Resolutions and goals, whether long-term or short-term, can be powerful motivators for each of us to work towards improving our health and sense of well-being,” says Dr. Josh Axe, co-founder of dietary supplement brand Ancient Nutrition and a member of The Vitamin Shoppe’s Wellness Council.
“I always recommend that resolutions be specific, measurable, and achievable, such as aiming to get eight hours of sleep per night or taking collagen each day to improve skin, joint, and gut health.”
Three-quarters (75%) of respondents set at least one resolution each new year, and view the start of a new year in different ways—63% see resolutions as a motivator, 50% as a tradition, and 44% as a way to improve their health.
HERE’S AN IDEA: Simply Wearing a Fitness Tracker Makes You Walk 40 Extra Minutes a Day – And Lose 2 Pounds
Of those respondents, an astounding 83% claim to have success with their resolutions over the years—including goals pertaining to relationships and friendships (51%), physical health (49%), socializing (44%) and mental health (39%).
The top health goals for 2024 include weight management (53%), hair and nail health (46%), fitness and strength (45%), and immune health (45%). To achieve these goals, respondents say they will be exercising more regularly (55%), taking vitamins and supplements (55%) and enlisting the help of family and friends (52%).
ALSO LOOK: 7 Healthy Habits Can Almost Halve Our Risk of Dying From Stroke and Protect Against Alzheimer’s
“Lots of people are setting goals at this time of year so you can feel supported and part of something bigger than just yourself,” noted Dr. Axe.
SHARE This With Your Own Plans And Strategies for 2024 on Social Media…