How to Keep Those New Year's Resolutions
Another year arrives, bright with the promise of replacing old
habits with new and positive behaviors. All too often, those New
Year's resolutions tarnish and fall by the wayside, leaving
behind a feeling of dissatisfaction or disappointment.
Make this the year you change that pattern! New Year's
resolutions are really just good intentions. To create change,
you must translate those intentions into an action plan. Follow
my guidelines below and give yourself a head start to success.
1. Don't make that resolution on January 1st! Instead, think
about it over the entire month and make your resolution on the
31st. It will have more motivational power and be more realistic
that way. It will also be a resolution you "mean," not one you
made just because that's what you do at the New Year.
2. Focus on one small step at a time. Don't bite off more than
you can chew. Choose one small action that will lead you toward
your goal, do that for three or four weeks, and then increase it
or add another. That way you're building on success instead of
courting failure.
3. Have a clear vision of what changing this behavior is going
to give you, both short term and in five or ten years. Also have
a clear picture of what "not" changing this behavior is going to
cost you, short term and long term. When you see the difference
in the consequences, you'll be a lot more motivated.
4. Post a picture, phrase, or affirmation to remind you of your
resolution in several places where you can see them regularly
throughout the day. Every two weeks, change that reminder. That
way, you won't get so used to the picture that you just don't
see it any more. Also, by changing the reminder, you're remaking
(and strengthening) your commitment to your resolution.
5. Have a plan. Know what you are going to do - every day - to
move you towards that resolution. Don't just decide to go on a
diet. Be specific. "I will cut out all snacks in the evening."
"I will eat smaller portions."
6. While you don't want to plan to fail, do plan for "failure."
The average person who successfully changes a habit falls off
the wagon six times before they finally succeed. So don't give
up! Consider backsliding a natural, normal part of the process
of changing behavior.
7. Finally, and I can't emphasize this enough, get support! With
outside support, you are seven times more likely to succeed at
keeping that resolution. Not only is there someone to cheer you
on, to offer a shoulder and to encourage you when you feel
stuck, your support buddy will also provide you with
accountability.
Make this the year you begin creating the changes you truly
desire!
NOTE: You are welcome to use this article online in electronic
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unaltered (including the "about the author" info). If use of
this article is desired in print, you must first contact Lynn
Cutts at Lynn@ManageYourMuse.com.
Copyright 2005 Lynn Cutts