How to Overcome Quitters Day
Research has found that three in ten Americans make at least one resolution for a New Year, with 79 percent focusing on goals related to health. Even with good intentions, it doesn’t take long for many people to give up on their resolutions. In fact, this quickly waning motivation has led to what is now known as Quitter’s Day.
The unofficial holiday came about because of research conducted in 2019. Strava, a social network for athletes, found that 80% of people who make New Year’s Resolutions give up on them by the second week of January.
Though research found that it’s common for people to abandon their resolutions early in the year, that doesn’t mean yours are doomed to fail! Experts say it all comes down to having the right mindset to stay motivated. Here are some tactics to avoid falling into the Quitter’s Day trap:
1. Start small
Make sure resolutions are broken down into bite-sized, approachable, daily, or weekly actions. For example, if you’re looking to change your relationship with alcohol, start with today or even this hour! After today, go for a weekend then a week, and gradually work up from there.
2. Reward Yourself
Acknowledge and reward yourself for milestones along the way. This reinforces positive behavior and commitment. Remember, to get to day 30, you need day one and day 14. Celebrate the small wins and putting one foot in front of the other moves you forward no matter what.
3. RememberYour ‘Why’
Keep in mind the reasons behind your resolutions. Revisiting your motivations can help you stay focused. Here are a few reasons for changing your relationship with alcohol: drunk texting, hangover, hangaxiety, shame, and regret spirals, self-abandonment because you know you want to stop drinking but do it anyways, alcohol is keeping you stuck and small, affecting health and mood, etc.
4. Accountability and Support:
Supportive communities and resources that encourage perseverance and growth are mandatory when changing your relationship with alcohol. According to a study published in Health Psychology, 80% of participants reported success when they joined and were a part of a supportive group or network. Join the Sober Girl Social Club, get 7 days FREE so you can blow by Quitters Day and finally reach your booze-free goals.