Another year has passed – time to reflect on days past and to consider the future. Typically, at this time, many of us have made new year’s resolutions. The beginning of a new year seems the optimum time to set new goals or mend our errant ways.
Unfortunately, commitment to this admirable pursuit seems to dwindle the further we move into the new year. Before you know it, the habits you swore to eschew have crept back into your daily routine.
Most resolutions revolve around wellness. Smokers vow to butt out. Sedentary ones devote themselves to a strict exercise regimen. The overweight declare war on fat, sugar, carbohydrates or whatever their particular downfall. The list goes on and on …
Why is it that we tend to forego these resolutions so easily? Perhaps the goal and its attainability are too divergent? Many of us fall prey to the concept that January first is a day to make a radical and complete new beginning. So, here are the suggestions that will help make new year’s resolutions that are attainable and successful:
Write it down – Adhere to the old habit of writing down those resolutions. A plan provides direction and defines endpoints as well as helping to cement the commitment within you. It also helps to visualize the goals.
Set attainable goals - It is so easy to be overly optimistic view of our abilities to rapidly and completely overhaul ourselves. We end up losing perspective, forgetting the parameters that govern our daily lives and the multiple demands that compete for our attention. Once you have decided on what it is you want to accomplish, be sensible about your expectations. The degree of change and the time frame within which you hope to meet your goals should be attainable. Your intent should not be simply to lose forty pounds. Better to strive to lose five pounds. When this occurs, work on the next five pounds. This makes it easier to succeed and avoid dooming yourself to failure. As changes occur in your life, don’t be afraid to re-evaluate your goals and adjust your pathway to success.
Focus – It is ill-advised to have a scattered approach to your resolutions. It can help to have an awareness of your limitations when determining the number and type of changes you intend to make. To expect to be able to quit smoking, lose weight and deal with anger management issues simultaneously would be unrealistic. Quitting smoking is often accompanied by increases in food consumption and stress levels. Focus on one element at a time and achieve success.
Find a resolution partner – Vetting your resolution list with someone who can give you objective insight into its strengths and weaknesses can be tremendously helpful. A spouse, friend or someone who has a significant vested interest in your success can help to objectively review your goals and assess their attainability. Having someone else involved can also provide motivation to achieve your goals and incentive to keep going when difficulties present themselves.
Whether or not you have resolutions this year, best of luck with all your endeavors in 2009!