Motivation

How to Achieve Your New Year Resolutions

It is a New Year’s tradition to make resolutions and a mid-January tradition to break them. No matter what your aspirations may be - whether you want to lose weight, find a new job, improve your skills, or make more money - you can keep your New Year’s resolutions.

The following steps apply to all types of resolutions. To illustrate, though, we will use the most common resolution, to lose weight, as an example.

1) Focus - Do not give in to distractions. Throw out the leftover Christmas cookies. Buy fresh fruits and vegetables instead of potato chips. Fill a pitcher with water and put it at eye-level on the top shelf of the refrigerator. Focus on what will help you achieve your goals.

2) Be accountable to a “resolution partner.” Find a friend who has made similar resolutions. Establish a method of regular contact, whether by email or phone or personal visit, to compare notes about your progress. Encourage each other but continue to reinforce the need to keep to the plan.

3) Envision your results. Most people want to lose weight to feel better about their health or look better in a summer swimsuit. If you have a medical appointment coming up, envision the scales and the vital signs showing healthy improvement. Post a picture of your favorite swimsuit on the fridge as a reminder every time you lose focus.

4) Write it down. We are more accountable when a plan is put in writing. This will also help you as you compare notes with your resolution partner. Write down your goals and your progress, as well as your setbacks. Be honest! You hurt only yourself by stretching the truth or neglecting to write down that piece of fudge you snuck in over the weekend.

5) Take it one step at a time. Break big resolutions down into smaller, realistic goals. Daily or weekly goals, such as losing one pound a week or eating five fruits and vegetables every day, are easier to envision and achieve.

6) Work on it every day. There are no holidays from resolutions if they are to succeed. A treat on the weekends is fine to keep you from feeling totally deprived but keep the treats in moderation and continue to focus on your goals, regardless of the day of the week.

7) Celebrate your accomplishments each step of the way. You’ve earned it!