Making Your New Year’s Resolution Stick
Do you make a New Year’s resolution every year but find, more often than not, you have left it in the dust by Valentines Day? This happens to the best of us, and it isn’t for a lack of trying, but likely a lack of realistic planning.
Often in the minutes leading up to the New Year we make a resolution that sounds like a really good idea, and maybe it is, but you need to plan on how you will achieve this resolution to make it a reality.
Making Your Resolution Your Reality
- Choose a resolution that is realistic.
- Set small goals that will act as your “stepping stone” to resolution.
- Make honest attempts to change your behavior to support your goals.
- Tell other people about your goals to hold yourself accountable.
- Set yourself up for success by using positive thought.
- Don’t allow one set back to allow you to give up.
- Celebrate your successes, even small ones.
- Embrace change.
- Team up with someone who has similar goals.
- Don’t be afraid to change your timeline.
These ten tips will help you achieve your New Year’s resolution and will allow you to feel better about yourself in 2009 than you did in 2008! Remember that even the best of us slip up from time to time when trying to better ourselves, to give yourself a bit of “wiggle room” while on your way to a better you.
This has really set me straight!
I just realized that I always make a goal with a clear set of directions and plans. No wonder I get so frustrated!!
Thanks so much.
New site looks great!
This is a fine list … if you believe in resolutions, which I’m not sure I do any more.
In Leo Babauta’s new book, The Power of Less, he says: focus on building a habit rather than making a resolution. The habit sticks.
Here’s a take I had on resolutions - why you should just say no:
http://www.possibilityvirus.com/blog/2009/01/07/otl-nyrs-its-not-too-late-to-just-say-no/
Great post, Michael. Thanks for sharing!
I agree. Habits are life-long. Resolutions are yearly - if you’re lucky. For some it only lasts a few hours!
great….
A resolution is a resolution. There is nothing to believe. Decide what you want to do then do it. Don’t let anything get in your way. There is only one thing that can stop you and that is a weak will! Strengthen your will in any way you can!!! Happy new year!!! :o)
You’re absolutely right. It’s often our weak wills that cause us to give in or give up. We must strengthen our wills slowly, but consistently. One way of doing this is by training our body and mind to say “no” to the unhealthy choices.
For example, if you really want an extra piece of cake, say “no!” Or if you really want to drink that extra bottle of beer, say “no!”
Instead of being guided by your weaknesses or addictions, you’d actually be re-gaining control of yourself and your choices. After all, addictions can often consume and control us!