It’s That Time: Resolutions

December 29

Posted in: In The Know
Tags: new year, 2010, resolutions, change, new you

It's that time again - time to get out the paper and pen (or computer) and write down that list of things you want to change in 2010. From losing weight to changing your outlook on life, resolutions can be good and bad for you. Here's some tips on how to make the most of it.

How to Avoid the Pitfalls of New Year’s Resolutions
It has been reported that 40-45 percent of Americans make New Year’s resolutions. What is the failure rate you ask? More than 85 percent. So if you want to make a resolution to better yourself and avoid the traps that will land you on the losing end, follow these five simple steps:

1-Don’t make broad reaching resolutions.
Big picture resolutions, such as lose weight or save money, are doomed to fail from the beginning. What does “save money” look like anyway? By setting a more specific goal you set yourself up for success.

2-Not having a strategic plan.
A well-thought-out, strategic plan followed up with action, discipline and accountability will increase your ability to succeed. Write down your goals and use a calendar or journal to track your progress.

3-Don’t set your sights on achieving your goal in one year.
Experts say it takes 21 days of doing something consistently to become a habit so set your first deadline at four weeks. Once you reach the four-week mark, continue your resolution for another four weeks. By creating short-term deadlines, rather than trying to reach your goal in 12 months, your resolution becomes more attainable. You always see the light at the end of the tunnel so to speak.

4-Don’t set unrealistic expectations.
If you don’t currently have an exercise routine in place, it would be unrealistic to set a goal to be at the gym 5 days a week. Your goals should be just out of reach, but not out of sight!

5-Don’t give up too quickly and ask for help.
The average resolution lasts three weeks because people are too quick to quit if they have a slip-up. Just because you smoke one cigarette doesn’t mean your entire resolution is ruined. Review your strategic plan and recommit yourself. If, after a month of working to achieve your goal, you have made little or no progress, it is time to ask for assistance. Rather than give up, find someone to hold you accountable.

Personally, resolutions have never been my thing. Not sure if that's because I'm lazy or if I just never really get around to making a list. Maybe I should add "making resolutions" to my non-existent list.