New Year’s Resolutions: how to actually keep them this year

One hundred thirty pounds later, Crystal MacCasland has proven she knows goals and dedication.

“I used to weigh 320 pounds. I went to the doctor and they told me I’d have to be on tons of medications,” said MacCasland. “Started a little bit at a time, just 30 minute workouts three days a week. That was 10 years ago and now I’m doing Crossfit.

But a lot of us don’t have MacCasland’s willpower, especially with the new year and with our resolutions.

“If we go by what we hear all the time, people start out really good but tend to forget them after a while,” said Dianne Peck, a psychotherapist.

So, why are we obsessed with New Year’s resolutions?

Psychotherapist Dianne Peck says it’s because of tradition and the desire to start a new lifestyle.

The problem?

“They start out with resolutions that are not easily accomplished, too broad of a resolution. I always tell my clients about setting goals to write them down,” Peck said.

The most popular one: losing weight, which proves to be most difficult.

“The steps can be too big. Habit is made up of very small stepping stones, the smaller the steps the easier they are to achieve,” Josh Corley, owner of Crossfit 719.

Whether it’s exercise, your finances, or a behavioral change – the theme is the same.

“Make a plan, know what your goals are, have daily things you’re going to do and stick with it. Doesn’t have to be big, start little,” MacCasland said.