New Year, New You: The 3-Month Rule for Keeping Resolutions

As the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, we're filled with hope and determination to make this year the best one yet. We set ambitious goals, eager to transform our lives in just a few short months. But as the weeks go by, our resolve begins to waver, and by the time February rolls around, our resolutions are nothing more than distant memories. So, how can we make this year different? Enter the 3-month rule.



Michael J. López, a consultant, career coach, and author of the upcoming book "Change: Six science-backed strategies to transform your brain, body, and behavior," suggests starting with one, manageable to-do at a time and giving yourself a three-month interval before adding anything new to that. This approach allows you to focus on one goal at a time, increasing the likelihood of success and maintaining motivation.

For example, if you want to learn a new instrument, exercise in the morning, and watch less TV, tackling just one of those for the first quarter of the year will make you more likely to succeed. This success will then motivate you to pursue other goals.

But why does this approach work? Breaking down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks can significantly improve motivation and commitment. This is because it allows you to focus on one task at a time, increasing the likelihood of success and maintaining motivation. Additionally, achieving smaller goals boosts self-confidence and resilience in pursuing larger, long-term objectives by providing a sense of accomplishment and building momentum.

So, if you're ready to make this year the one where you finally stick to your resolutions, give the 3-month rule a try. Start with one, manageable to-do at a time, and give yourself a three-month interval before adding anything new to that. You'll be amazed at how much you can accomplish in just a few short months.

And remember, it's okay to start small. The important thing is to start. So, what are you waiting for? The clock is ticking, and your new life is just a few months away. Happy New Year!