Five Easy Tips for Keeping Your New Year's Resolutions
14 Jan 10
Five Easy Tips for Keeping Your New Year's Resolutions
It's the beginning of the year, so it makes sense that we discuss how to make those New Year's resolutions come true (for a change!). If you're serious about keeping those resolutions, then you'll appreciate this article. We've outlined five tips to help make you more successful when making those resolutions.
1. Pick Realistic GoalsOne of the biggest problems in keeping a resolution is that we simply aim too high. Resolving to look more like Jennifer Hawkins is an unrealistic resolution for anyone (especially if you are a man). Resolving to lose a few kilos or cut back on lollies are more realistic goals. Setting a goal of completely changing your life, your career, your family relations, etc. is too broad. Keep the goals small and simple. You'll find this tip alone will assist you attain your goals.
Educate yourself about realistic goals, too. There are dozens of reliable and informative online sources to help you learn how to reduce your financial debt, lose weight, quit smoking, upgrade your home or improve your relationships to mention but a few. If you need more information, now is the time to read-up on the things of interest to you to help you keep your resolution.
2. Define Those GoalsSaying you'll lose weight, change your job, or go back to school isn't good enough. You need to write down how specifically you are going to move toward those goals.
Want to lose a few kilos? Develop a weight loss plan which includes sensible eating with a regular exercise plan. Don't rely on magical solutions or weight loss pills to keep the weight off long-term.
Develop specific, concrete ways to reach your goal, but keep each step along the way small. Deciding to quit your job tomorrow without having even begun a new job search is not realistic. Instead, find one or two job possibilities online, or in your local newspaper's classified ads section. Tailor your resume for each job possibility, and send one or two out. Keep the quantities small and easily manageable.
3. Set a Schedule No goal is attainable without deciding when you're going to make the small changes needed to reach that goal. If you set no schedule for yourself, or as most people do, set an unrealistic schedule, you are setting yourself up to fail. The schedule should be written down; just like your goal and the steps you will take to reach each goal.
Losing a few kilos over a few months is realistic; losing a few kilos in a few days is not. Finding a new job within six months is realistic; finding one by the end of January is not. Improving your relationship with your significant other over the entire year is realistic; trying to do so overnight is impossible.
4. Don't Be Upset by SetbacksThe old adage in therapy is two steps forward, one step back. The same could be said for New Year's Resolutions, which can often be the most difficult to keep. It may help, though, to remember that we're all human, we all make mistakes.
It does no good to get depressed or disillusioned by setbacks in trying to reach your goals. In fact, if you know ahead of time that there are going to be times in which your resolve weakens or you don't live up to a certain step or schedule you've set, it can help when it does happen. It's a part of the process and means nothing more than a temporary setback. Putting such temporary setbacks into their proper perspective can help you move beyond them and put them behind you.
5. Enlist Additional Help or SupportSome people will find they just can't quit smoking on their own, or reduce their financial debt without additional help and support. Whether it's in the form of a professional, a family member, a friend, or some type of formal support group, consider enlisting someone's help. This shows that you are not only serious about keeping the resolution, but that you realize your own strengths and limitations.
Keeping these few simple tips in mind throughout 2010 may help to increase your chances of success. Consider that the New Year is not only a time to make changes in your life, but also a time to be thankful for being around to enjoy another year with friends and family.