Resolutions, again… Raising the Barr Weekly Memo: Issue 520

Here we are on January 4, excited as the time when people who made New Year’s resolutions have either begun in earnest or have already had a misstep on one or more of their intended plans.

In surfing the web for the most commonly made resolutions, I found some fascinating studies.

According to Statista Global Consumer Survey, the top resolutions, ones we typically hear about, include exercise more, eat healthier, lose weight, and quitting smoking. These also fit nicely into my top 10 as well.

Zippia, the Career Expect, listing the top resolution by state listed 8 states, including Ohio, as choosing weight loss as their number one. 12 states listed therapy as the top choice which included New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Florida and Connecticut to name a few. According to their research, 41% of Americans make resolutions, but only 9% are successful. California, Nevada, Michigan and Illinois were among the few states that listed dating as their number one resolution.

Good Housekeeping offered some uplifting and attainable possibilities for the new year. They include:

Build a better budget.
Practice mindfulness.
Cook something new each week.
Read more books.
Create a cleaning schedule you’ll stick to.
Drink less alcohol.
Commit to a healthier sleep routine.
Join a club.

There are lots of great ideas and I’d be happy to stick with even one or two for the year. It’s an opportunity for a fresh start, a do over, and a chance at a new and exciting venture or recommitment to improve on something already established in your business or personal life.

Good luck at whatever you have resolved and if you miss the mark, as 91% will, cut yourself some slack. There’s always next year!

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