DealDash Lifestyle: Actually Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions Past January

Here we are in February, has everyone been keeping up with their resolutions? If not, there’s no time like the present to give it another try.

Every January, we start off strong with big plans like eating healthier, work out more, or saving money. However, by the time February rolls around, a lot of those resolutions are already fading. Sound familiar? You’re not alone! The trick to making goals stick isn’t about willpower, it’s about understanding how habits really work. With a little science and some smart strategies, you can turn your resolutions into lasting changes. Let DealDash break it down for you!

How Long Does It Take to Turn Resolutions into Habits?

You’ve probably heard that it takes 21 days to form a habit, but that’s actually a myth. Research from University College London found that, on average, it takes 66 days for a behavior to become automatic. Even though that’s three times as long as you thought, don’t worry, there is good news. You don’t have to be perfect, just consistent. Even tiny daily efforts add up over time. So instead of stressing over a deadline, focus on showing up every day, even if it’s just for five minutes.

Habit Stacking: The Secret to Making New Habits Stick

One of the easiest ways to build a habit is to attach it to something you already do. This concept is called habit stacking. The term was popularized by James Clear in Atomic Habits. For example, if you want to drink more water, pair it with a habit you already have: “Every time I brush my teeth, I’ll drink a glass of water.” Simple, right? Another trick is to set up visual reminders, like leaving your workout gear by the door or keeping a book on your pillow so you remember to read before bed. Little nudges like these make habits easier to follow.

Motivation Comes and Goes So Try Identity-Based Habits

Motivation isn’t always reliable. Some days, you just won’t feel like working out or eating that salad. So, instead of relying on motivation, try to shift your mindset to identity-based habits. Instead of saying, “I want to exercise three times a week,” say, “I’m an active person” or “I’m the kind of person who takes care of my health.” When you see yourself as the person who does the habit, it becomes second nature. At least, that’s what we’re striving for!

Treat Yourself When You’ve Turned Resolutions into Habits

Once you feel that you’ve truly turned one of your resolutions into a habit, it’s time to celebrate! What sort of treat would you like to get for yourself? Maybe something fancy, like a watch or some jewelry? Or maybe you’re more practical and would rather have a new tool set or camping gear. No matter what you want to reward yourself with, you’ll find it on DealDash. Now the the best time to get started turning those resolutions into habits!

Thanks for Reading

Keeping your New Year’s resolutions isn’t about being perfect, it’s about setting yourself up for success. Give yourself time (habits take longer to form than you think), use habit stacking to make them easier, and reinforce your identity around the habits you want to build. Start small, stay consistent, and remember that lasting change happens one tiny step at a time. Thanks so much for reading, and happy bidding everyone!

This sponsored DealDash blog article was written by Dawn E, a mother of 3 who loves DealDash. Dawn was compensated for writing this article. Check out Dawn and her cats on Instagram! This blog is written by real DealDash customers. The opinions and advice shared here represent our customers’ views and not those of the company.