‘Soft Launch’ Your New Year’s Resolution Now For A Better Chance Of Success

A behavior change expert suggests people should “soft-launch” their New Year’s resolutions in November or December for better success rates. Professor Benjamin Gardner says starting small lifestyle changes early builds confidence and allows people to test new habits before January 1st. Research from Novo Nordisk shows 43 percent of adults abandon their New Year’s goals within one month. A poll of 2,000 adults found 53 percent believe soft-launching resolutions in November helps them stick to goals. “There is a lot of pressure to make changes on New Year’s Day,” Gardner said. “But the day before, New Year’s Eve, is one of the biggest celebrations of the year, so to go from that to suddenly introducing changes to the way you live is one of the reasons so many fail.” The most common resolutions include eating healthier and exercising more, both at 46 percent. (Story URL)