Ah, the New Year—a fresh start, a blank canvas and a chance to set some brand new goals. But let’s face it, statistics show that the majority of our January resolutions don’t make it past the first few weeks. Can you relate?
This year, we’ve got a paw-some solution to keep you on track: Help increase your resolution success by involving your furry best friends! Let’s dive into some stats, common resolutions, and why your pet could be the secret ingredient to success this year!
New Year’s resolutions in numbers
Before we pull our pets into this, let’s take a quick look at some intriguing stats:
- You’re not alone if some of your own resolutions have faded away in the past. Approximately 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by February. Yikes – that’s a big number! https://abcnews.go.com/US/struggling-new-years-resolutions-track/story?id=96173041#
2. Forbes.com tells us that for 2024 the top resolutions https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/new-year-resolutions-survey-2024/ include improving fitness, improving finances, improving mental health, losing weight, improving diet, and making time for loved ones. Were any of these on your list, last January?
Don’t worry.
You and I are in the same boat. I didn’t even bother to make any 2023 resolutions, but I still find goal-setting – or at least thinking about new goals – an inspiring way to start the year. I pick a few big goals & visualize them daily. I also fast forward to the end of the year & imagine how I’ll feel. Those work for me.
Why New Year’s resolutions sometimes fall flat
We all know the cycle: We’ve got lots of enthusiasm in January as we make our New Year’s Eve toast, hit a bit of a slump in February, and by March, that resolution is a distant memory.
Who’s the culprit?! Here are some common reasons we lose enthusiasm for our New Year’s resolutions:
- Vague goals
- Unrealistic expectations
- Insufficient planning
- Mindset challenges https://theconversation.com/new-year-resolutions-why-your-brain-isnt-wired-to-stick-to-them-and-what-to-do-instead-197254. Yeah, we’ve all got our baggage, and sometimes it’s a two-year habit of plopping down in front of the TV with dinner in a bowl, or getting stuck in ‘I always screw things up’ negative mental chatter. We may need to make ‘eat at the table,’ or ‘flip negative self-talk into positives’ to reach bigger goals like fitness and finances.
Paw-sibilities Are Endless: Pet-Friendly Resolutions for 2024
So, where do our pets fit into all of this? My favorite strategy to make a new habit stick is to include my cats/grand-dogs in my planning. And–bonus! You’ll tick off that ‘spending more time with those I love’ goal off your list, too!
Let’s add a furry twist to the most common New Year’s resolutions!
- Exercise more!
- Pet Spin: Isla (my Siamese) loves to hang out on my shoulders (hey, just like Taylor Swift!). I walk around and see how long she’ll stay with me. I have an off-loading spot by the T.V. She gets to work on her balance & I get in some exercise.
- Have more experiences:
- Pet spin: Here’s a fun thing to do with your pet…order an activity box from https://moderndogmom.com/ and explore activities to do with your dog (some are for you and some are for your dog). I gave my daughter the Pawcasso box for her birthday so she and Charlie could make some cool art. So. Much. Fun!
- Save money/spend less:
- Pet spin: Instead of buying more cat toys, I keep any boxes (mostly from Amazon ) and grab some paper bags from the grocery store (ripping off the handles, if there are any). They jump in any sized box & then they love to hide out in the bags! Win-win.
- Read more:
- Pet spin: I’m currently reading,” Inside a Dog” by Alexandra Howrowitz. 9 times out of 10, Donnie, my rescue tabby cat, is sitting on my lap so I get to give him some TLC, too!
- Travel:
- Pet spin: Discovering pet-friendly spots has never been simpler! Craving a meal with your furry friend in tow? Explore the abundance of pet-welcoming restaurants that offer outdoor patios for a delightful dining experience. I’m in the process of curating a list of such establishments in Rochester, MN—a handy resource not just for you but also for my upcoming book, “Tails of Rochester.”
- Enjoy life!
- Pet spin: I love seeing how far (and straight) I can throw a ball for Nellie (my son’s Golden). Usually that’s pretty entertaining right there…I’m not a super thrower. I recently upgraded my ball tossing skills by getting her one of the sticks that launch balls far and straight. We’re both a lot happier!
Pets are the perfect daily reminder
When you add a daily dose of dog (or any pet) to your yearly goals, they become a fun (not chore-some) addition to your weekly task list. Since your pet is right there beside you every day, help them become positive reminders of the goals you’d like to accomplish!
- Purchase your dog or cat a brand new bright collar for the New Year as a reminder of your shared goals.
- Is budget-building your goal? Build a budget for your pet, first! It will be a shorter, but similar list, with food, medical care, fun, etc. Yes, it can be a little eye-opening: THAT much for food? THAT much for a yearly veterinarian visit? But once your pet’s budget is complete, you’ll have part of your own done, too, and you’ll be on your way to completing that resolution!
- If you’re a paper-planner kind of person, splurge on some pet-themed stickers to brighten up your planner and remind yourself to get out with your pet.
- Practice your new, more positive mindset by taking just a few seconds to enjoy the end of each walk, play session, or car ride with your pet. There’s nothing but good vibes in their eyes, then!
Nothing provides a more immediate glow of enjoyment than returning from a walk with your dog, so take just a few minutes now to think about how you can wrap your pet into the resolutions you’re planning for 2024.
Resolution success is all about joy and sustainability
I’m thinking that adding our pets to our resolution-making is the secret sauce for not just crushing our goals but also cooking up some unforgettable memories. Are you ready to make this year a great one yet?